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Key infrastructure investment

Montreal is set to benefit from the largest biotechnology investment in Canadian history with an imminent decision by DSM Biologics to green light a $450-million expansion to its bio-manufacturing facility.

The decision by DSM Biologics to double its bio-manufacturing capacity in Montreal has given the tri-government initiative to increase life sciences activity in the region an early and significant victory.

National research strategy proposed

The Alberta government has unveiled an ambitious proposal for a new approach to energy research in Canada, one that includes new multi-year funding commitments from government and industry and the creation of a new network linking provincial, national and global researchers.

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.

Report provides FY01 snapshot

Small- and medium-sized companies are positioning themselves as the future engines of R&D growth. A recent report on corporate R&D spending in Canada shows that in FY01, many smaller firms posted substantial increases in R&D spending despite a drop in revenues.

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.