Article Type: Generic

New data from Statistics Canada show that industrial R&D spending in Canada is extending the decline that began with the onset of the 2008 economic downturn. Projections for 2010 show that companies spent an estimated $14.

Direct support for business R&D, more innovation clusters, stronger engineering design and open access to scientific data are required to ensure that Canada does not squander its major invest- ments in basic research and public education, says a major scientific body.

Significant strides in deepening the knowledge talent pool have done little to offset Canada’s declining productivity and innovation capacity, according to the second biannual State of the Nation report issued by the Science, Technology and Innovation Council (STIC).

Pharmaceutical R&D slumping

The decline in pharmaceutical R&D investment in Canada is accelerating with the latest data showing a 7.4% drop in expenditures by all companies and nearly 12% for those who are members of Canada’s Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies (Rx&D).

Quebec appointed its first chief scientist after months of delay but has scrapped its original plan to fully integrate the three provincial granting councils after concerns were raised by the scientific community.

By Alex Navarre

The final report from the Conseil de la science et de la technologie (CST) concludes that intellectual property (IP) is at the heart of innovation strategies that are increasingly driven by collaborations and market opportunities.

Initiative draws massive response

There’s been an overwhelming response to a unique, software-driven roadmapping initiative that seeks to match the future requirements of the Canadian soldier in the field with technologies emanating from industry, academia and government labs.

IRAP hit with staff cuts

National Research Council (NRC) president John McDougall has come out swinging against “unfounded media speculation” of a 20% cut to its FY11-12 budget while acknowledging a year-over-year reduction of $58.