The University of Sherbrooke has officially announced the creation of the Entrepreneurial Research Pole, marking what it describes as an innovative initiative aimed at enhancing knowledge about entrepreneurship. This new venture will closely collaborate with the surrounding community and promote dialogue between research and practice to support Quebec businesses as they navigate the ever-changing economic climate.
At the helm of this ambitious project, funded by various partners including a notable philanthropic contribution of $500,000 from the J. Armand Bombardier Foundation, the Entrepreneurial Research Pole will leverage interdisciplinary research strengths from both the School of Management and the Faculty of Engineering.
Professor Pierre Cossette, the rector of the University of Sherbrooke, emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship as a fundamental driver of development, remarking, "Entrepreneurship is an engine of growth not only for the individual who dares to take the plunge but also for society, which reaps the benefits of these initiatives. We owe this legacy to pioneers like Joseph-Armand Bombardier. We are very grateful to the foundation bearing his name for supporting our research efforts on entrepreneurship." This sentiment reflects the commitment of the University to honor local entrepreneurial history through tangible academic contributions.
Alongside the J. Armand Bombardier Foundation, additional financial support for the new pole has been provided by Groupe Deschênes Inc., Boutique La Vie en Rose Inc., Fondation Groupe AGF, Behaviour Interactif, and Nos Cabanes, amounting to total contributions of $697,500.
The Entrepreneurial Research Pole aims to explore key themes pertinent to various players within the entrepreneurial ecosystem, which include: female entrepreneurship, technological and scientific entrepreneurship, technology transfer, entrepreneurial support, and entrepreneurial risk. The exploration of entrepreneurial failure, often stigmatized, particularly caught the attention of the J. Armand Bombardier Foundation, which has roots tied to its founder's entrepreneurial spirit.
Nicole Beaudoin, president of the J. Armand Bombardier Foundation, shared her insights on the topic: "Far from being a hindrance, failure is actually an unavoidable stage of innovation and entrepreneurial development. It is important to dismantle the negative perceptions associated with this often-taboo subject. Given the current uncertainty and rapid changes, failure should be viewed as valuable learning, a springboard to bounce back and improve. This approach transforms failure from a setback to a powerful tool for forging stronger, success-oriented paths." This perspective underlines the pillar of resilience the new research pole intends to instill within the entrepreneurial community.
To achieve its goals, the Entrepreneurial Research Pole has established four primary objectives aimed at encouraging knowledge exchange and dissemination: fostering scientific research across three identified research axes—namely the entrepreneur, the project, and the entrepreneurial environment—organizing scientific exchange events surrounding these themes, hosting guest speakers and professors from the School of Management and Faculty of Engineering, and conducting knowledge transfer and co-creation activities with community actors.
Professor Claudia Champagne, vice-dean for research at the School of Management, stated, "Entrepreneurship is interconnected, and our multidisciplinary and collaborative approach allows for greater, more pragmatic comprehension of the challenges faced by companies, enabling them to hone their strategies and tackle their challenges effectively." This highlights the cooperative ethos underpinning the pole's mission.
The governance of the Entrepreneurial Research Pole is already established, with oversight provided by a committee comprised of five faculty members from both the School of Management and the Faculty of Engineering. Dean Jean Roy of the School of Management expressed his conviction, stating, "The active presence and participation of the School of Management supporting entrepreneurship resonate directly with our values: audacity, commitment, responsibility, and respect. It takes boldness to step out of the academic bubble, connect with the community's practices, and engage to give back through entrepreneurship."
Equally supportive, the Faculty of Engineering welcomes the new partnership with the School of Management. Dean Jean Proulx remarked on their longstanding collaboration, noting, "Our collaboration with the Fontaine, Beaudoin, and Bombardier families is not new. For example, the Creation Studio named after the Huguette and Jean-Louis Fontaine Foundation is irrefutable proof of this contribution over time. Often said, everything is interconnected: philanthropy, the birth of genius ideas, entrepreneurship, etc. Long live fruitful relationships and entrepreneurship!"
With the backing of its partners and relying on interdisciplinary strengths, the Entrepreneurial Research Pole is set to emerge as a central pillar for driving development, mobilizing expertise, and resources to stimulate innovation and growth within Quebec's entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Supporting its groundbreaking initiatives is the university’s new campaign titled "Choosing to Change the Future." This ambitious $250 million campaign is the most significant fundraising initiative in the university's history and will support more than 150 inspiring projects, including the Entrepreneurial Research Pole, which aims to provide concrete solutions to today's and tomorrow's challenges.