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.
Organization: Science and Economic Development
Canada, France and UK host high-level roundtables to identify collaborative opportunities in key research areas
Canada is participating in a series of expert stakeholder roundtables with France and the UK to identify new opportunities for collaboration to bolster each country’s economy while meeting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Canada’s first patent collective launched with defensive “war chest” to protect Canadian IP
Canada has launched its first patent collective to help data-driven clean tech companies understand, generate and strategically use intellectual property in scaling up. The Innovation Asset Collective, backed by $30 million in federal funding, includes a defensive “war chest” to help Canadian SMEs defend their patents in an often predatory global IP marketplace.
Government science must take a comprehensive approach to integrating AI, say experts
Integrating artificial intelligence into research and government is necessary, but requires more attention to ethical, security and data literacy issues, experts told the Canadian Science Policy Centre’s annual conference.
VIDO-InterVac wants $50 million for an additional level 4 biosafety lab to improve pandemic responsiveness
Speeding Canada’s response to future pandemics requires the highest level biosafety lab, facilities for exotic animals and more scientists. VIDO-InterVac is looking to the federal and Saskatchewan governments for funding.
Parliamentary Budget Officer’s pessimistic report on innovation superclusters used outdated data
According to a “preliminary assessment” report by the Parliamentary Budget Officer, the five federally funded innovation superclusters are unlikely to attain goals for job creation and GDP growth. But the superclusters’ CEOs told Research Money the report is based on outdated data and that it’s too early to assess the superclusters’ long-term outcomes.
Alberta agri-food sector gets a boost with launch of new research and innovation network
A new $108.5-million technology and agri-food research and innovation network, supported by the federal government and industry, is expected to begin operations by the end of this month. Alberta Innovates’ Inventures conference also highlighted a new $40 funding challenge from Emissions Reduction Alberta to accelerate technology innovation in agriculture, agri-food and forestry.
Canada’s chief science officer highlights office’s responses to pandemic
Dr. Mona Nemer appeared before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health May 19 to highlight what her office has been doing since the novel coronavirus arrived in Canada.
Innovation Canada shifts “entire portfolio” to COVID-19 response
Innovation Canada has shifted its “entire portfolio,” to responding to the COVID-19 crisis, from the Strategic Innovation Fund to Canada’s innovation superclusters, says federal assistant deputy minister Andrea Johnston.
Innovation superclusters proving their worth during COVID-19 crisis, CEOs say
Canada’s innovation superclusters are proving their value during the COVID-19 crisis and are well positioned to help lead the post-COVID economic recovery, the five superclusters’ CEOs told a Research Money webinar.