Transforming Health and Healthcare For All

The University of British Columbia (UBC) launched the School of Biomedical Engineering (SBME) in 2017, making it the first inter-faculty school at UBC, bridging engineering and medicine and fostering convergent research and collaborative education models. Since then, the School has grown immensely, opening Canada’s first purpose-built biomedical engineering facility, attracting exceptional faculty, top-notch students and funding. To maintain momentum, the School engaged Junxion to help develop a new strategic plan, one that would focus its energy and resources, guide decision-making, and continue its impact in the bio-tech ecosystem.

The Challenge

Since its inception in 2017, SBME has emerged as a leader in biomedical engineering research, education and innovation. More than $35 million in research funding and industry contracts have helped establish the School as a valued partner in the health innovation ecosystem. These accomplishments demonstrate the School’s impressive momentum, which they are committed to maintaining and building upon. A strategic plan was needed to align the School’s interest holders, clarify its direction and priorities, and ensure continued progress.

How We Helped 

Junxion began by reviewing existing materials and reports, peers and competitors, and the School’s operating environment. We engaged the School’s leadership, advisory committees, representatives of the two parent faculties—the Faculty of Applied Science and the Faculty of Medicine—as well as staff, faculty and students, in immersive discussions on the School’s strengths, potential and opportunities. This helped ensure their views informed the planning process from the outset. Junxion brought the key interest holders together for a pair of workshops that generated ideas and set direction. We worked closely with the SBME team to develop the strategic plan.

Measuring Success 

The stakeholder-centric approach helped the School clarify the impact they seek to create and where to focus its energy to ensure it is achieved. By unearthing what matters to its stakeholders, the new strategic plan emphasizes strategic ecosystem engagement, strengthening ties through UBC and with industry partners. It deepens clinical integration, places greater emphasis on research translation and innovation and builds a culture of shared success and belonging. The School has strong foundations in prioritizing cutting-edge research, educational programming, and strong industry partnerships. With these priorities in focus, SBME will surely sustain and surpass its current leadership position in Canada and beyond.