A New Wave Podcast

David Johnston: Building a More Innovative Country

portrait of The Right Honourable David Johnston
The Right Honourable David Johnston Join us in a captivating discussion with The Right Honourable David Johnston, Canada’s 28th governor-general, on "Building a More Innovative Country." Renowned for his contributions to education and innovation, Mr. Johnston's distinguished career includes roles as a professor of law, President of the University of Waterloo, and Principal of McGill University. In this episode, we delve into his journey and explore his insights on driving national innovation. Discover Mr. Johnston’s perspectives on cultivating curiosity, empowering youth, and the crucial link between education and real-world application. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone interested in shaping a more innovative and progressive Canada.

Season 9 — November 13, 2023

5 Tips for Building a More Innovative Country

  1. Expand Your Innovation Horizon: Look beyond technology. Encourage innovations in societal and social norm improvements. This broader perspective can lead to more inclusive and diverse advancements.
  2. Foster a Curiosity-Driven Culture: Cultivate an environment where questioning the status quo is encouraged. Transform the mindset from ‘why‘ to ‘why not‘ to ignite innovation and facilitate change.
  3. Invest in Youthful Curiosity: Recognize and nurture the innovative potential of younger generations. Support their curiosity and provide them with opportunities to develop as future leaders and innovators.
  4. Blend Theory with Practice in Education: Follow the University of Waterloo’s experiential learning example by merging academic theory with practical application. This blend is key to producing well-rounded entrepreneurs and innovators who can tackle real-world challenges.
  5. Leverage Global Insights for Local Impact: Emphasize the importance of international educational experiences. Drawing global perspectives into the local context can significantly enhance innovation, leading to more globally-informed and locally relevant solutions.

Show Notes

[00:00] Introduction with David Johnston
[00:29] What is Innovation?
[01:04] Canada’s Role in Global Innovation
[02:30] Canadian Innovators and Impact
[07:25] Historical Innovations in Canada
[07:56] Fostering a Culture of Innovation
[09:57] Innovation Index Discussion
[15:49] Educational Experiences Abroad
[16:20] University of Waterloo’s Co-op Model
[22:40] Entrepreneurial Culture in Kitchener-Waterloo
[32:08] International Experiences for Canadians
[35:52] Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

People Mentioned

  • David Johnston: Former Governor General of Canada
  • Tom Jenkins: Co-author with David Johnston in “Innovation Nation” and “Ingenius” 
  • Mike Lazaridis: Founder of BlackBerry, mentioned in the context of University of Waterloo alumni
  • John Baker: Founder of Desire2Learn (D2L), mentioned in the context of University of Waterloo alumni 
Resources & Further Reading
Rideau Hall Foundation Initiatives Explore the Rideau Hall Foundation's diverse projects that aim to better serve Canadians through a range of initiatives linked to learning, leadership, giving, and innovation. Ingenius Discover 50 Canadian inventions through "Ingenious," a book co-authored by David Johnston and Tom Jenkins. From Bovril to BlackBerrys, lightbulbs to liquid helium, peanut butter to Pablum, this is a surprising and incredibly varied collection to make Canadians proud. Innovation Nation Celebrate Canada's innovative spirit with "Innovation Nation," a captivating young readers' edition of "Ingenious," co-authored by David Johnston and Tom Jenkins. University of Waterloo's Experiential Learning Learn about the University of Waterloo’s experiential learning programs that blend academic theory with real-world application, as emphasized by David Johnston in the podcast.
Highlights
"Innovation is essentially about doing things better and applies not simply to technological, scientific, or business innovation; it's also about social innovation." [01:11]
"We need that culture of curiosity and that sense of positive action to improve the lives of others, which is such an important ingredient in making a healthy society." [02:41]
"One of the favourite Canadian innovations among children is peanut butter, which was invented in Montreal, Canada." [04:34]
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