Networking Program (Phase II) Technology/Methodology Platforms

1. Networking Program (Phase II) Technology/Methodology Platforms

2. Background • Early consultation with the research community identified the need for three types of networks • Population based • Platform based • Disease based • Phase I of the Networking program targeted the establishment of population-focused networks • e.g. the aged, children and youth, women, people in rural and remote regions, etc. • Phase II of the Networking program targets province-wide technology/methodology platforms

3. Definition of a Platform Essential cross-cutting technology or methodology that supports a broad range of health research applications across institutions and research teams. Ability to finance and maintain these at an internationally-competitive level that transcends the ability of individual institutions or teams.

4. Three Perspectives • Academic • Health • Economic Development • Three Touchstones • Provincial in scope • Significant value add • International • competitiveness Value Proposition

6. Process Overview • Key Points • Developmental and iterative process • Partnership/collaboration/joint planning • Phased approach and implementation • Phased 3 year Implementation Plan and Budget vs. longer term Plan

7. 3 Stage Process • Invite Expressions of Interest (EOIs) - open call • Mandatory step to access funding • Deadline March 1/06 • MSFHR internal review supplemented by external expertise, and Board approval • Invite selected EOIs to submit detailed strategic and business plans, supported by up to $50K from MSFHR • Timeline: March 31/06 – August 30/06 • External formative review, and Board approval • Fund approved platforms up to $500K per yr for 3 yrs • Funding to commence in October 2006 (if justified by applicant and endorsed by the review committee, MSFHR may recommend to the Board that funding be more than $500,000/yr)

8. Stage 1: Expression of Interest • Proposed Platform • Identify area of interest • Demonstrate provincial scope, and provide high-level description of the need for/benefits of a provincial strategy • Describe the value added across institutions, groups and health research applications by the platform • Describe how it will enhance BC’s international competitiveness • Team • Identify co-chairs; nominate members of planning committee • Demonstrate appropriate background to develop a provincial plan

9. Stage 1: Expression of Interest(cont’d) • Development Process • Identify key stakeholders & process for engagement • Identify key success factors and major obstacles • Identify likely funding sources • Provide key indicators of success in implementing the plan, including timeframes • Budget • Proposed budget for the planning phase (up to $50K) and justification

10. Permissible Expenses for Planning Budget (up to $50K) • Staff release time for platform planning and development process • Consultants to assist with strategic and business planning • Costs associated with consultations with stakeholders and meetings of the Planning Steering Committee • Administrative support for the planning process • Other expenses directly associated with the development of the strategic and business plans during Stage 2

11. Stage 2: Strategic/Business Plans • Environmental scan to identify current resources, gaps, priority areas for attention • Foci/activities to be developed • How/why the platform has been selected • How the platform will be developed and accessed as a provincial resource • Clearly demonstrate the need for/benefits to BC and Canada • Identify the stakeholders required for success, their role in planning and in implementation

12. Stage 2: Strategic/Business Plans (cont’d) • Costs/resources to implement the platform • Identify other funding sources if MSFHR funds are not sufficient • Strategies to support success factors, manage predictable challenges/obstacles • Plan for establishing and sustaining the Training Environment. • Identify other opportunities for collaboration, partnerships, leadership to leverage MSFHR funds in the development of inter-provincial, national and international platforms

13. Draft Permissible Expenses for Business Plans – Stage 2 (not an exhaustive list) • Salaries of staff supporting the platform • Costs related to activities that bring people together • Buying release time from clinical, teaching, or administrative duties • Costs associated with maintenance of the Training Program • Costs related to the Platform’s support office (statistical and business consulting) • Partnership/Collaborative activities

14. Draft Ineligible Expenses – Stage 2 (not an exhaustive list) • Operating research grants • Capital expenditures • Insurance expenses • Maintenance and repair expenses

15. Review of Stage 2 • Formative Review • Outcomes • No go – not fundable • Further revision and collaboration required • Start-up Award – with potential for full funding once review committee recommendations are met • Full implementation recommended Note: if justified by applicant and endorsed by the review committee, MSFHR may recommend to the Board that funding be more than $500,000/yr

16. Stage 3: Implementation • Implementation October 1, 2006 onward • Reporting and Accountability