DuPont Case Study

Understanding and enabling innovation through collaboration

In mid 2000, the Science Centre began to explore an extensive renewal of its facility intended to create new ways of engaging visitors, with an emphasis on innovation and youth. At the same time, DuPont Canada had set out to identify opportunities to foster innovation in the social sector. These shared interests formed a bridge between the two organizations, resulting in a new partnership built on nurturing a culture of innovation which is critical to the success of Canada.

DuPont become a major Science Centre partner, providing $2 million in support to our Agents of Change initiative. In addition to the funding provided by DuPont, the two organizations entered into a collaborative relationship referred to as the "Knowledge Partnership". Based upon the exchange and development of ‘knowledge’ – processes, ideas, ways of thinking - rather than the traditional focus on materials and products.

The partnership was built on a shared interest in understanding and enabling innovation - both within each organization and, through OSC visitors, across Ontario and Canada. DuPont and the Centre share a belief that to be a leader in innovation, an organization must be willing to open up and inject fresh ideas into typical business patterns. During the nine years that DuPont and the Science Centre were "Knowledge Partners", the two organizations worked together on a number of projects and activities. The collaboration included exchange of knowledge and staff expertise between the Science Centre and DuPont, and has sparked new approaches for both partners by questioning traditional thinking at each organization.

Science Centre and DuPont staff participate in a Rapid Idea Generation session at the DuPont R&D facility

OSC Science School students in the DuPont Wet Lab