Exploring science, research & innovation in Canada

July 20, 2023

Technology Innovation Modern Futuristic Background — Image ©Just_Super | iStock

Open Access Government charts the continuing efforts of the Government of Canada to support science, research and innovation

Writing for Open Access Government in 2022, The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry of the Government of Canada, shared his thoughts on developing Canadian Leadership and excellence in science and innovation. Daily, the Minister sees the opportunities and challenges the world faces, which have been visceral for the people of Canada over the last few years.

“Whether it’s COVID or climate change, it’s become clear how important it is to invest in science and innovation. Because when we make these investments, we protect our loved ones and our environment. We grow our economy. And we find opportunities for Canada to be a world leader,” the Minister went on to tell us. ⁽¹⁾

Science, research and innovation support

Since Minister Champagne’s editorial for us last year, we have seen the continuing story of science, research and innovation supported in Canada. In October 2022, the Government of Canada launched the Advisory Panel on the Federal Research Support System to give expert but independent advice on the governance and structure of the federal system that supports talent and research.

Minister Champagne commented on this initiative, starting with today’s science’s impact on tomorrow’s economy. “Because we know that today’s science is tomorrow’s economy, our government is committed to ensuring that our talented, world-class researchers have the right support for the crucial work they are doing. That is why we requested this report by experts and will thoroughly consider the report’s recommendations as we advance our efforts to strengthen the federal research support system.” ⁽²⁾

In April 2023, we heard that $1.4 billion was invested in 11 large-scale research initiatives at postsecondary institutions via the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF). These 11 initiatives will encourage partnerships throughout Canada’s academic, private and not-for-profit sectors and beyond for research that provides crucial economic and social benefits for Canada’s inhabitants.

Whether it’s preventing and treating heart and brain disease, reducing carbon emissions in communities or making discoveries concerning AI, advanced computing and robotics, the Government of Canada underlines the vital role of scientists and science, research and innovation in society.

“The initiatives announced today will lead to breakthrough discoveries that will improve people’s lives, nourish our innovation ecosystems, and shape Canada’s prosperity for years to come. Such is the value of universities, and of our Canadian researchers who think outside the box to tackle the greatest challenges of our time,” Minister Champagne continued. ⁽³⁾

Also, in April 2023, the Government of Canada funds no less than $200 million for Canadian-led interdisciplinary, international, high-reward and high-risk research utilising the New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF). The Government supports 195 projects through three different NFRF competitions. This investment in 1,054 researchers, with 338 early career researchers included in that, underscores a commitment by the Government to keep “interdisciplinary research at the forefront to build a global brand that will attract talent and capital for years to come”, we are told.

Minister Champagne commented that science and research are crucial to solving humanity’s most significant challenges today and beyond. “That’s why our government is committed to continuing support for researchers who are pushing the boundaries of innovation, by investing in transformative, high-risk / high-reward research that will address issues that impact Canadians in all sectors of our economy and society.

“With our highly educated workforce and world-class research institutions, we are well positioned to meet the needs of the next century and remain a global leader in science and innovation,” the Minister added. ⁽⁴⁾

Collaboration in science, technology and innovation

Collaboration is also crucial in science, technology, innovation and research. In April 2023, a joint committee between Canada and France was established to bolster the two countries’ longstanding partnership on science, technology and research. This fits with the broader notion of the Government of Canada that to meet the world’s most pressing challenges; we need the best and the brightest working together.

“Canada and France will continue to foster greater collaboration in science, technology and innovation through the work of the new joint committee. Together, our two countries are helping create more opportunities for researchers, innovators and businesses to partner on projects that will shape the economy of the future,” Minister Champagne remarked. ⁽⁵⁾

Interestingly, in the same month, we see a very similar story when the Governments of Canada and Switzerland sign a joint statement on science, technology and innovation research. As Minister Champagne so succinctly described: “Canada and Switzerland will continue to foster greater collaboration in science and research. Together, our two countries are helping create more opportunities for researchers, innovators and businesses to partner on projects that will shape the economy of the future.” ⁽⁶⁾

On 8th June 2023, the Governments of Canada and the UK advanced a partnership in quantum science and biomanufacturing. Minister Champagne elaborates on this further, yet his comment also highlights his positive thoughts regarding encouraging more collaboration in science, technology and innovation today to shape the future economy of Canada.

“Today’s memorandum of cooperation on biomanufacturing and the joint statement on quantum science and technology are important steps in making the most of our world-class capabilities, which will drive innovation and economic growth in both our countries. We will continue to work together to foster greater collaboration in science and research to shape the economy of the future.” ⁽⁷⁾

Research of today, the innovation of tomorrow

There are so many more exciting examples we could explore in science, research and innovation, such as support for quantum science and technology ⁽⁸⁾, life sciences ecosystem ⁽⁹⁾, artificial intelligence research ⁽¹⁰⁾ and advancing the semiconductor industry ⁽¹¹⁾ to illustrate further the sterling efforts the Government of Canada makes to support science, technology, research and innovation. As Minister Champagne so brilliantly remarks, “Today’s research is tomorrow’s innovation” ⁽¹⁰⁾ and “economy”. ⁽³⁾