"The Youth & Innovation Project aims to understand and amplify the positive social, environmental and economic impact young people, 15 to 25 years old, have on organizations, communities and systems."
We do this by:
- Conducting original research and publishing academic articles;
- Offering strategic and policy advice to business, government, philanthropic foundations, the academic community and civil society;
- Speaking to diverse audiences - both young people and those who work with and support them;
- Writing opinion pieces and offering commentary in the mainstream media; and
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Writing a book titled Wired for Innovation: Releasing the untapped potential of young people (anticipated release date 2025).
Addressing Youth Unemployment: Ilona Dougherty on CBC's The House
Ilona Dougherty, our Managing Director, recently joined Catherine Cullen on CBC/Radio-Canada’s The House for a segment titled "Why young Canadians are the canaries in the unemployment coalmine." She discussed the underlying challenges within Canada's youth employment system.
Ilona explained that while there's no quick fix, programs like Canada Summer Jobs and the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy can be highly effective when properly funded and implemented.
Following the interview, Parliamentarian Patty Hajdu confirmed a commitment to an immediate 6,000 new Canada Summer Jobs placements. This is an encouraging start, but it highlights that more systemic change is still needed.
Listen to the full interview here: CBC The House with Catherine Cullen.
New Policy Brief - Unlocking Innovation in the Workplace Through Intergenerational Collaboration
How can workplaces become more inclusive and innovative? Our latest policy brief explores how intergenerational collaboration can boost engagement, creativity, and resilience across sectors.
Discover how structured intergenerational collaboration can transform workplace culture and what policymakers and employers can do to make it happen.
Read the full policy brief here
Collaboration Highlight: Global Shapers Impact Report 2025
In a recent collaboration with the Global Shapers Community from the World Economic Forum, we contributed to the Global Shapers Impact Report 2025. This report highlights the inspiring work of young leaders addressing critical challenges in their communities and emphasizes the importance of advocacy, support, and action to amplify their voices globally.
Our collaboration involved updating data collection tools, conducting in-depth analysis, and providing recommendations for decision-makers. We found compelling similarities between the Canadian context and international insights. Across the board, young people express optimism about being heard and having their ideas taken seriously by decision-makers. However, they are less optimistic about seeing their ideas put into action. Read the full report here.
New OpEd - Youth unemployment isn’t just a summer problem
In collaboration with RBC Future Launch, we recently published an Op-Ed in Policy Options, which explores the alarming rise of youth unemployment in Canada. The OpEd highlights the need for businesses, government, and academia to create more work-integrated learning opportunities beyond the summer months and exhorts government officials, philanthropists, and the private sector to prioritize investment in job development and support opportunities.
Acknowledgment of traditional territory
We acknowledge that the Youth & Innovation Project is located on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishnaabeg and Haudenosaunee people.