At the beginning of her third term as Canada’s Chief Science Advisor, Dr. Mona Nemer reflects on the role her office has played during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as new directions where she would like to take her renewed mandate.
Organization: G7
After billions in funding, Strategic Innovation Fund failed to improve Canada’s innovation performance, experts say
Nearly $3.4 billion in federal spending through the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) during the last three years has failed to improve Canada’s “disastrous” innovation performance and productivity, say some innovation and policy experts. An analysis by Research Money of SIF data shows that Ontario, Quebec and foreign-based firms have received the lion’s share of SIF funding.
Higher education R&D outlays continue to increase: StatsCan
Canada has reported its ninth consecutive annual increase for spending on R&D in higher education sector, according to the latest data from Statistics Canada.
G7 leaders commit to STI concerns
G7 Leaders have committed to act on key issues brought to their attention by the science, technology and innovation (STI) community, particularly around artificial intelligence (AI) and climate change. However, the US stayed away from any further climate change commitments, while Canada’s STI stakeholders are asking for action beyond signatures on a piece of paper.
G7 scholars submit recommendations to G7 leaders for policy direction
Scientists and scholars have submitted recommendations to G7 leaders for consideration when they meet June 8-9 for their annual summit in Charlevoix QC. The recommendations are contained in two statements on the “most pressing issues of our times” – the digital future and the global Arctic.
G7 Science Summit examines repercussions stemming from tsunami of new digital technologies
Canada’s hosting of this year’s G7 Summit is being preceded by an unprecedented series of research summits that examine the potential and impacts of digital technologies and sustainable oceans. The summits – organized by the Royal Society of Canada (RSC) – are intended to inform discussion at the main event in Charlevoix, QC on June 8-9.
Québec 2018 Budget: $1B in research and innovation to implement advisory council recommendations, SQRI
Last month, Québec tabled its 2018 budget, which includes more than $1 billion for research, innovation and economic growth, reflecting several recommendations made by the Advisory Council on the Economy and Innovation.
Canada promotes its innovation agenda, diversity and inclusion at G7 meeting
Canada announced it would be highlighting its Innovation and Skills Plan (I&SP) at the G7 and ICT (information and communications technologies) ministers meetings September 25 and 26 in Turin Italy. The I&SP will be touted for its aim to position Canada as an “ideal investment destination” for global firms and foster the scale-up of Canadian…