About

With a vision to be a leader in responsible and relevant applied business research that connects researchers with businesses and communities, the Business Research Integration and Development Group at Edwards (BRIDGE) Knowledge Centre helps make academic research more accessible, relevant, and useful beyond academia. Through research translation and engagement, BRIDGE aims to bridge theory and practice by communicating the practical significance of business research and helping connect researchers with businesses, community organizations, and other partners where interests and opportunities align. By strengthening the pathways through which research knowledge is shared and understood, BRIDGE supports the broader impact of research in Saskatchewan and beyond.

Mission

The mission of the BRIDGE Knowledge Centre is to strengthen connections among researchers, industries, businesses, and community partners. Based at the Edwards School of Business, BRIDGE focuses on business and business-related research while supporting connections and collaborations across disciplines. We do this by:

  • Bridging theory and practice by translating and communicating the relevance of research
  • Supporting the broader impact of research by sharing insights that can inform business and community practice
  • Facilitating connections among researchers, businesses, industries, and communities where interests and opportunities align
  • Contributing to knowledge exchange through selected industry and community engagement opportunities aligned with core and interdisciplinary areas of business research

BRIDGE recognizes the value of both basic and applied research while focusing its efforts on translating, synthesizing, and communicating the relevance of research findings for practitioners, communities, and other stakeholder groups. Its activities include maintaining a research network hub, sharing accessible research insights, and contributing to selected knowledge-exchange and research-engagement opportunities with industry, community, and interdisciplinary collaborators.

Past Events and Initiatives

BRIDGE has brought together researchers, students, businesses, industry leaders, community partners, and other collaborators to exchange knowledge and explore opportunities around issues relevant to Saskatchewan and beyond. These initiatives have helped build connections across sectors and demonstrated the value of making research and expertise more accessible outside academia.

Building on this foundation, BRIDGE’s current focus is research translation and engagement: communicating the relevance of business and business-related research, sharing accessible research insights, and helping facilitate connections where interests and opportunities align.

BRIDGE Exchange: AgTech & Innovation 

On October 29, 2025, the BRIDGE Knowledge Centre and the College of Agriculture and Bioresources hosted a half-day forum at Remai Modern focused on opportunities at the intersection of agriculture, technology, and research.

The Exchange brought together researchers, students, and industry representatives to explore AgTech and artificial intelligence trends, discuss industry priorities, and identify potential areas for research and cross-sector collaboration. The program included a panel discussion, facilitated collaboration hubs, and opportunities for participants to build connections across sectors.

Download the program here!

Prairie Business Summit

On May 6 and 7, 2025, the Edwards School of Business and BRIDGE Knowledge Centre hosted the Prairie Business Summit, an international forum bringing together experts from industry, government, community, and academia.

Focused on artificial intelligence, the Summit examined the opportunities and challenges AI presents for businesses and communities. Keynotes, panels, workshops, and case studies explored subjects including innovation, ethics, governance, implementation, and economic development.

Featured speakers included Adam Cheyer, co-founder of Siri; Métis business leader Ross Pambrun; and AI strategist Katie King. The Summit created opportunities for participants to exchange perspectives, consider practical implications, and build connections across sectors.

BRIDGE developed a post-Summit report translating key discussions and insights into an accessible resource for businesses, researchers, and other interested audiences.

Read the Prairie Business Summit 2025 Highlights Report.