New strategic partnership advances collaborative digital transformation efforts, providing enhanced value through greater savings and process efficiencies
OECM is pleased to announce the establishment of a formal collaborative partnership with eCampusOntario on the development and implementation of a shared services program for eCampusOntario’s member institutions.
In addition to creating synergies between both our organizations, this partnership aims to increase cross-sector collaboration in procurement for shared services, promote innovative and transformative learning tools that support new skills and employment opportunities, and expand student engagement through creative and immersive educational technologies.
“OECM endorses this affiliation with eCampusOntario, as it enables customers to access an enhanced value for money proposition through institutional savings, process efficiencies, reduced duplication, and economies of scale,” says John Sabo, President and CEO of OECM. “Through this important collaboration, we can jointly explore opportunities that drive innovation, transformation, and development for colleges, universities, and Indigenous Institutes across Ontario.”
Earlier this year, eCampusOntario polled its 53 member institutions to establish a working group to support the design of a shared services program for the bulk purchase of software licenses, resulting in a reduced cost for each participating member.
“eCampusOntario’s member institutions will benefit greatly from leveraging their collective purchasing power to provide innovative learning experiences for Ontario students. This initiative will help support the opportunities for learners to gain skills for tomorrow’s workforce,” says Robert Luke, CEO of eCampusOntario.
Since 2020, OECM and eCampusOntario have maintained a mutually beneficial and productive relationship, leveraging OECM’s potential to drive value, savings, choice, and service through collaborative sourcing for the education sector and beyond. Based on feedback gathered through a province-wide survey with Ontario colleges and universities, eCampusOntario enlisted OECM to assist in procuring professional bilingual solutions for audio-video captioning and transcription services. Following a comprehensive procurement process, OECM introduced the Audio Video Captioning and Transcription Services agreements to our Marketplace.
eCampusOntario is a not-for-profit organization that accelerates the transformation of postsecondary digital learning in Ontario to increase participation in higher education. eCampusOntario leads a consortium of the province’s publicly-assisted colleges, universities and Indigenous Institutes to advance the development and adoption of online and digital learning technologies, programs and environments. eCampusOntario works with its members to maximize the impact of digital learning through investment, innovation, collaboration and foresight research.
“This partnership exemplifies the scale of collaboration within our sector, focusing on cost savings and enhanced efficiencies that will significantly benefit our institutions,” notes Steve Orsini, President and CEO of the Council of Ontario Universities. “By leveraging collective purchasing power and shared services, the sector is not only driving down costs but also fostering innovative learning environments that will prepare students for the future.”
“Colleges Ontario is supportive of this collaborative partnership, which will enable operational efficiencies. Partnerships such as these are essential to further colleges’ ability to offer quality digital training and education so that our graduates are ready for the jobs that drive Ontario’s economy. This is also an excellent example of how colleges are interested in pursuing opportunities to drive value for students while driving down costs,” adds Marketa Evans, President and CEO of Colleges Ontario.
As the public procurement landscape evolves, OECM is committed to initiating partnerships that foster growth and development to benefit our communities and public institutions and streamline supply chain processes for the broader public sector.
For further information, please contact:
OECM Customer Support
customersupport@oecm.ca
1-844-OECM-900 (1-844-632-6900)
eCampusOntario Media Relations
mediarelations@ecampusontario.ca
