Current Status
Seeking University PartnerAbout This City Forum
Toronto is a key global economic hub with significant influence on regional and international development. The City Economic Forum in Toronto brings together university researchers, government leaders, and industry stakeholders to develop evidence-based solutions for urban economic challenges and opportunities.
This forum is part of the global City Economic Forum network, providing structure, research standards, and global visibility while maintaining complete autonomy for local execution and university self-governance.
University Hosting Model
Single University Leadership
A lead university can host and execute the city forum, taking full responsibility for events, research coordination, and stakeholder engagement.
University Consortium
Multiple universities can collaborate as a consortium to distribute leadership, resources, and research responsibilities across institutions.
Academic Autonomy: Universities retain complete academic independence and self-governance. The City Economic Forum provides structure, standards, and global coordination—never control.
Strategic Focus Areas
Economic Competitiveness
Evidence-based research and collaboration in this strategic domain
Innovation & Technology
Evidence-based research and collaboration in this strategic domain
Infrastructure & Investment
Evidence-based research and collaboration in this strategic domain
Talent & Workforce Development
Evidence-based research and collaboration in this strategic domain
Sustainability & Resilience
Evidence-based research and collaboration in this strategic domain
Urban Governance
Evidence-based research and collaboration in this strategic domain
What the City Economic Forum Provides
Global Structure & Standards
Unified frameworks ensuring consistency across city forums worldwide
Research Frameworks
Rigorous methodologies designed for real-world economic development impact
Membership System
Institutional and individual memberships that fund applied research
Global Visibility
Publication and dissemination of research through global networks
What Universities & Local Partners Provide
Local Execution
University-led organization and coordination of all forum activities
Research Production
Rigorous applied research on city economic development challenges
Stakeholder Coordination
Engagement with government, industry, and community leaders
Events & Convenings
Organization of forums, workshops, and networking opportunities