They are reassured by the professional manner in which the networks conduct business with companies and manage their internal affairs. Because they have to interact with businesses, NCEs are run like businesses. The networks are managed by Boards of Directors with senior executives of companies who hold strong interests in the activities of the networks. Other board members include senior university officials, staff from business and technology transfer offices, and representatives from the university-based research community. The public sector is represented by officials who provide essential links to federal and provincial policy-makers.
Efficiency is a watchword.
University faculty and business participants do not receive salaries from the NCE program and, whenever possible, network activities such as meetings and workshops are combined with professional events scheduled by member organizations. As the networks meet with increasing interest from the business, science and engineering sectors, a cultural change is taking place in these communities. Each community is buying in to the concept that science, engineering and business, when combined in carefully focussed collaborations, can result in benefits not achievable separately. The networks organize public relations vehicles such as workshops, information sessions, and conferences, and regularly produce corporate brochures and newsletters designed to keep their members and potential clientele aware of the network s activities. Some networks have ventured even further into business culture.