Talk about pressure. As the federal government considers submissions to the updating of its S&T Strategy, critics of its seven-year track record and innovation are coming out of the woodwork. Whether they’re partisan attacks from the opposition or expressions of frustration by government and academic scientists, environmentalists or industry associations, the criticism has been withering, unrelenting.
The government moved to ease some of the pressure with its consultation on the aforementioned strategy and the long-awaited release of a space policy framework to be followed by a long-term space plan (see page 7). After years of expressions that research and innovations are priorities — expressions many view as hollow — the government appears to be moving on several fronts.
Much of the impetus for change has been driven by the need to apply scientific and technological solutions to major challenges, such as oil sands extraction or the contraction of the manufacturing sector. Then there’s the stream of reports and data showing that Canada’s innovation and productivity performance is lackluster at best.
A federal Budget would be the logical vehicle for addressing concerns and confronting challenges. But with the race on to the balance the books by 2015 (an election year) expectations are low that change will come in the near term.
That likely means more criticism and an extended window of opportunity for advocates of a stronger research and innovation effort to capitalize on the government’s unwillingness to place innovation on the front burner with the resources to implement effectively.
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