Article Type: Generic

More than half report declines

It was a fickle year for university research funding in 2012 as institutions and provinces that performed well in 2011 saw their fortunes reversed. A constrained funding environment kept the overall increase for Canada’s Top 50 research universities at 1.

Three Western- and Atlantic-based colleges have emerged as the top research performing institutions in their class, according to the inaugural Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges ranking. SAIT Polytechnic, NAIT – Northern Alberta Institute of Technology and College of the North Atlantic (Newfoundland) accounted for 18.

An OECD report says indirect support to business such as R&D tax incentives can lead to unintended consequences for innovation and government revenues, as well as favouring large multi-national enterprises (MNEs) over domestic, stand-alone firms.

Canada’s considerable expertise and investment in ocean sciences is being threatened by the lack of effective policy formulation and implementation, according to a major new report from the Council of Canadian Academies.

The following is an extract of the Speech from the Throne delivered on October 16th by governor general David Johnston.

Our government’s leadership in science and technology helps Canadian business remain competitive while creating high-paying jobs.

Industrial R&D spending will decline this year by 2.8% to $15.6 billion after posting modest increases in 2012 and 2011, according to the latest data from Statistics Canada. Business R&D outlays are now 6.

The recently formed New Brunswick Research and Innovation Council (NBRIC) has launched a $15-million competition to select between three and six large-scale industry R&D projects — a key element of its new $80-million research and innovation strategy.

The first of two reports on the restrictions impacting the ability of federal scientists to publicly discuss their work has been released. It is backed by a survey that found 71% of respondents believe political interference “has compromised Canada’s ability to develop policy, law and programs based on scientific evidence”.

Environment for Science: A History of Policy for Science in Environment Canada

Dr Philip Enros, a former director
of the Science Policy Division at Environment Canada, has published
Environment for Science: A History of Policy for Science in Environment Canada.

$3.7 billion over five years

Quebec research and innovation will receive an unprecedented $3.7 billion over five years at a time when other provinces and the federal government are holding the line on R&D investments.