Article Type: Generic

Marginal overall gain

The manufacturing sector’s share of overall industrial R&D spending continues its precipitous slide in 2009, dropping from a 68% share in 2000 to just 52% according to the latest data from Statistics Canada.

Alberta Ingenuity is launching a new centre to meet surging demand for new research into resource management, utilizing approximately $85 million in provincial, federal and private sector funding. Described as the first research centre of its kind in the world, Tecterra will focus on geomatics research collaboration between industry and researchers from Alberta’s three universities as well as other players.

The federal government has been making a flurry of funding announcements for the National Research Council (NRC) and its Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) as it strives to keep the spotlight on S&T during the dog days of summer.

Pfizer invests $6 million in colon cancer research in Ontario

Pfizer Global Research and Development is investing $6 million over three years and working with a team of Ontario-based scientists to develop a large clinical biobank to identify molecular signatures for colorectal cancer.

Viewpoint

By Dr Ted Hewitt

Researchers in areas that have in the past not been considered as prime territory for commercialization are increasingly churning out business successes. In the process, they’re opening eyes — and new revenue streams.

Details to follow in coming weeks

The Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation (MRI) is set to execute a dramatic re-alignment of its programs under a new moniker that will increase the profile and influence of the Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) and the MaRS Discovery District.

The Ontario government is investing $263 million over 10 years to bring video game developer Ubisoft to Toronto — the French company’s first Canadian expansion outside of Quebec and British Columbia.

Canada’s institutional research infrastructure received a $1.435-billion boost with the announcement of the latest major competitions by the Canada Foundation for Innovation. The CFI awarded a total of $666.

FPTT National Meeting

Most federal organizations don’t have the capacity to absorb the results of knowledge mobilization and have much to learn about marketing and branding, delegates to a conference of federal technology transfer professionals were told last month.

An Industry committee study of selected industrial sectors hit hard by a high value Canadian dollar and the economic recession has failed to find unanimity on a range of recommended actions, underlining the difficult nature of committee work under a minority government.