Article Type: Generic

The United States has decided to rejoin the proposed ITER project for fusion research five years after it withdrew in frustration over delays in the site selection process. The decision to participate in ITER was announced January 30 by the Department of Energy and is being welcomed by Canada as a boost to this country’s bid to host the massive, multi-billion project.

The Observatoire des science et des technologies (OST) has emerged from a turbulent period of internal dissent with a new structure, a new director and a scientific committee designed to provide long-term guidance and strategic oversight.

The Canadian Language and Literacy Research Network (CLLRNet) has awarded funding for 46 multi-disciplinary projects focused on various aspects of early-stage literacy and learning. Funding of $2.2 million has been distributed among projects at 26 institutions.

The Ontario Science and Innovation Council (OSIC) has finally released its inaugural Ontario Innovation Index (OII), seven months after the report was completed and submitted to the Ministry of Enterprise, Opportunity and Innovation (MEOI).

Ontario has moved from laggard to leader in high-speed research network infrastructure with the awarding of a $25-million contract to construct ORION. Billed as the largest fully privately owned and operated research and education network in the world, ORION is the centerpiece of the province’s multi-pronged strategy to become a global Internet and electronic business hub.

Emerging public-private convergence centre

The Medical and Related Sciences (MaRS) project is pursuing the federal government as its newest partner. It is seeking $20 million to help it move to the next phase of its ultimate strategy of establishing a national network of facilities and services dedicated to commercializing promising intellectual property (IP).

Political motives suspected for move

The decision by the Quebec government to create a super ministry has raised concerns that the province’s highly regarded innovation plan may be delayed or derailed and that smaller firms may be hindered in their quest to become more innovative.

Industry Canada is developing a detailed work plan for its long awaited innovation strategy but details are scarce due to several initiatives now being considered for the upcoming Budget. Memoranda to Cabinet (MCs) were already drafted before last November’s national summit took place, and staff are developing Budget proposals where applicable and fleshing out recommendations for longer term consideration.

The National Research Council (NRC) is expanding its roster of VPs as it responds to the impact of retirement and an increasing workload within the executive ranks. Advertisements went out late last year for two new VP positions, which will bring the number of VPs to three, up from the current two.

“Technology Clusters: By Accident or Design”

February 19, 2003 at the National Arts Centre, Ottawa

Join us on February 19 for a full day of debate and discussion on technology clusters, featuring many of Canada’s leaders on this important issue.