Why a space matters for a place like MaRS
The existence of a building housing scientists, businesses and investors encourages the unplanned interactions which are so powerful in generating new ideas – with a sufficient core physically located in one site, it makes possible a virtual network of individuals who share the same benefits of interaction whether next door, across the street, throughout Canada or with the leading centres with similar goals around the world.
The MaRS Centre site at College and University Ave. in Toronto is a perfect physical location for bringing these together—with one of the largest geographical concentrations of outstanding scientific research in North America. The Discovery District around MaRS has outstanding research in many areas such as the biomedical sciences, chemistry, materials science and information technology – which will be critical to innovations based on linkages of these sciences. The physical proximity of research scientists offers a unique opportunity to increase the frequency of interactions of individuals of different backgrounds essential for research innovation and common process.
With a hub, you’re much more likely to establish a global address, a magnet for highly-trained people, venture capital and technology-intensive businesses. While the facility makes the hub possible, the facility’s success will be dependent on the programs and community-building that promote the chance of commercial success, both geographically and virtually, groups large and small by increasing the density of interactions between them.
Dr. John Evans is the Chair of the Board of Directors at MaRS. He has been engaged in medical education, academic
administration, government service, charitable foundations and business for many years.
For more information, check out his bio http://www.marsdd.com/board
