World's innovation leaders gather in Vancouver

This week in Vancouver innovation leaders from around the world will gather at the 2009 annual meeting of the Association of University Research Parks. With more than 100 speakers sharing their expertise on driving global economic recovery through innovation, this conference promises to be a productive one.

This year's event is being hosted by the University of Victoria's Vancouver Island Technology Park and runs from Wednesday, October 21st to Friday, October 23rd at the Westin Bayshore.

Attendees can expect to hear what officials from the world's leading scientific research and technology centres have to say about how innovation will drive economic recovery. Here's a sample of who will be speaking at the conference:

• Marianna Grossman, Executive Director, Sustainable Silicon Valley. Ms. Grossman is leading the Silicon Valley community in creating sustainable solutions to catalyze the transition to a clean, green economy.
• Dr. John Byrne, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (winner of the Nobel Prize for Peace in 2007). Dr. Byrne offers a global view on energy and environmental tradeoffs.
• Keith Krach, CEO, Benchmark Capital & CEO, 3Points. An authority on the automotive industry, Mr. Krach was named General Motors' youngest vice president at 26, and spearheaded the company's first Japanese joint venture.

If you're unable to attend but interested in the content, keep an eye on the AURP Canada Vancouver Conference Blog.