The dean of the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics at Wilfrid Laurier University, Micheál J. Kelly, was named the national spokesperson for the CATA Innovation Leadership Council (ILC). Kelly will serve as national spokesperson next to Josh Blair. The ILC oversees the mandate of the CATA Alliance, a Canadian association dedicated to championing innovation, encouraging collaboration, and increasing the competitiveness of Canadian high-tech companies, according to a recent news release.
In a press release from CATA, CEO John Reid spoke highly of Dr. Kelly’s appointment. “Dr. Kelly, who was recently presented a Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition of his commitment to innovation and educational excellence in our communities, will be one of three innovation leaders engaged as national spokespersons to help advance CATA’s mission, mandate and core planks,” he said.
In the same press release, Dr. Kelly responded to his appointment, saying, “The award of national prosperity will go to those countries that can generate international confidence in their ability to lead in the design, development, production and distribution of goods and services. These countries will attract and retain investment. For Canada to prosper we must become a leading competitive innovation nation; we all need to do our part to get there.”
Kelly’s new appointment is just one bullet point in an impressive resume. Between 2000-2010, he was Dean of the Telfer School of Management and during that time achieved the “triple crown” for international accreditations. He joined the Lazaridis School as Dean in 2012 and oversaw the naming of the new school.
Throughout his academic career, he has advised technology companies around the world on foreign investment strategies, alliance management, and financing international expansions. He has also completed research on the management of global innovation systems, R&D alliances, and the competitive strategies of technology-based firms.
Beyond Kelly’s new appointment to CATA, the Lazaridis School recently formed the Lazaridis Institute for the Management of Technology Enterprises to help support the development of management skill in technology executives and prepare the next generation of business students to lead the industry.