Item - 2022.EX32.7

The Executive Committee recommends that:

1. City Council authorize the City Manager to negotiate and enter into non-binding Memorandums of Understanding with post-secondary institutions collaborating with the City in order to provide a framework for research, innovation and other projects as part of the CivicLabTO program by setting out shared goals and opportunities for collaboration.

This report responds to City Council's request on January 29, 2020, for an update on item EX 12.5, "Advancing a New Culture of Innovation and Partnership", and provides information on CivicLabTO and the Toronto Civic Accelerator Program (TCAP), two key initiatives that advance strategic and innovative partnerships between the City and public and private sector partners.  The report offers details on the current status of the Toronto Civic Accelerator Program and summarizes the accomplishments of CivicLabTO, including the progress made in streamlining the approval process of procuring research services from academic institutions.  Strategic Partnerships and the Purchasing and Materials Management Division (PMMD) continue to consult on opportunities to leverage the procurement process in support of CivicLabTO with additional work to be completed over the second and third quarters of 2022, and a report back to City Council planned for early 2023.

This report recommends that the City Manager be given authority to negotiate and enter into new non-binding Memorandums of Understanding with each Toronto Higher Education Institution to replace the existing Memorandums of Understanding that are now expiring.  The Memorandums of Understanding provide a framework for research, innovation, and other projects as part of the CivicLabTO program by setting out shared goals and opportunities for collaboration.

Though delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Strategic Partnerships and Technology Services have consulted on the design and development of the Toronto Civic Accelerator Program (TCAP) to allow the City to strategically engage sector partners in the co-development of innovative solutions to City challenges.  In addition to other procurement and partnership opportunities, TCAP is meant to leverage the talent and innovation of Toronto's strong technology and start-up sector.  This report highlights some key guiding principles and program updates.

Led by Strategic Partnerships, CivicLabTO is a long-term strategic program that creates a more systematic approach to post-secondary collaborations.  CivicLabTO connects students, faculty, researchers, and City staff to advance city-building goals through research, program design and evaluation, student learning opportunities, and expert problem-solving opportunities.  This report highlights the achievements of CivicLabTO and the program's impact on strengthening the culture of collaboration and innovation in the City of Toronto.