Article Type: Generic

Gingras vs Godin

The Observatoire des sciences et des technologies (OST) is about to be merged with a research unit of the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM). The move is the apparent culmination of a bitter powerplay between the two principal researchers at OST, Canada’s premier organization for producing and measuring bibliometric science and technology (S&T) indicators.

Vancouver and Ottawa-Gatineau Summits

The last batch of Industry Canada’s regional innovation summits have been going off like fireworks across the country as the last rush of 35 planned events unfold.

Best practices and economic indicators

The first report the Roger Martin-led Task Force on Competitiveness, Productivity and Economic Progress will serve as the centerpiece for a provincially staged innovation summit to be held November 5 in Toronto.

Observers say the prominent exposure afforded the work of Roger Martin and his Task Force on Competitiveness, Productivity and Economic Progress indicates the strategic direction of the new ministry under the leadership of Jim Flaherty.

Industry Canada is taking the first steps towards fulfilling its revised commitment to universal broadband access with the announcement of a $105-million Broadband for Rural and Northern Development Pilot Program.

The issue of voluntary labeling has dominated reaction a major report on the regulation of genetically modified (GM) foods in spite of the inclusion of 43 other recommendations. The final report by the Canadian Biotechnology Advisory Committee (CBAC) includes input to CBAC’s interim report released last fall (R$, September 24/01).

Government bureaucrats will be few and far between at the national innovation summit, leaving the central focus on the business and academic sectors. The focus on two of the three major pillars of innovation is consistent with the thrust of the process to date, which has seen federal laboratories virtually locked out of the discussions.

IP policy for universities harmonized

The Quebec government has issued its first progress report on the implementation of its new science and innovation policy, demonstrating why the province is leading all Canadian jurisdictions for progressive and inclusive S&T policy that spans all sectors of society.