Canadian Science Policy Centre
1595 16th Avenue, Suite 301
Richmond Hill, ON
L4B 3N9
E-mail:
info@sciencepolicy.ca
Subscribe to the Canadian Science Policy Conference newsletter to keep up-to-date with the latest news, events and programs.
Innovation Policy encompasses all policies governing the Canadian innovation ecosystem, which includes all areas of innovation and economic development, private sector R&D, commercialization and technology policies and more. This also includes social innovation.
Science for Policy is the application and use of scientific research and knowledge to inform evidence-based decisions for public policy and regulations in all policy areas, not limited to but including public-interest policy priorities such as health, environment, national security, education, criminal justice and others.
The Policy for Science Award recognizes an individual who has pioneered policies and practices to improve the development of new technologies, capacity building and research infrastructure. Policy for Science focuses on management of science enterprises, the production of new knowledge, the development of new technology, capacity building, training highly quality personnel and research infrastructure. In general, the key targets of Policy for Science are post-secondary institutions, research funding organizations and government science-based departments and agencies.
Science Policy is inclusive of both policy for science and science for policy. Policy for Science focuses on management of science enterprises, i.e., the generation of new knowledge, the development of new technology, capacity building, training highly qualified personnel and research infrastructure. In general, the key targets of policy for science are post-secondary institutions, research funding organizations and government science-based departments and agencies. Science for policy is the application and use of scientific research and knowledge to inform evidence-based decisions for public policy and regulations in all policy areas, not limited to but including public-interest policy priorities such as health, environment, national security, education, and criminal justice and others.
Science & Society focuses on strengthening public understanding and engagement with science, including the relationship between science and society. This includes but is not limited to science communication, science journalism, public engagement, citizen scientist and more.
Summary of Conversations:
The lunch session panel discussion focused on a recent federal research support system report. Concerns were raised that Canada is slipping internationally in research competitiveness and experiencing brain drain. Challenges discussed included the fragmentation of Canada’s research funding system requiring excessive grant application time. This fragmentation may discourage young researchers from choosing Canada. Other issues raised were supporting major research facilities, funding innovative research organizations, and improving support for postdoctoral career development. Overall, the report highlighted issues with Canada’s research funding system and competitiveness that could contribute to brain drain if not addressed. The panelists and attendees discussed potential solutions focused on streamlining funding, supporting facilities and career development, and promoting Canada’s research strengths.
Take Away Messages/ Current Status of the Challenges:
Recommendations (or Next Steps):
* Panel summary generated by OLGOO.com
Panel Abstract:
“Microchips are the new oil” says Chris Miller, in his award-winning book “Chip War: The Fight for the World’s Most Critical Technology”. Indeed, semiconducting chips today are ubiquitous across all industries, and, AI and Quantum Computation, two of Canada’s national strategies, depend on it.
Given this context, this panel will discuss where Canada stands today, and, how it hopes to navigate this complex ecosystem of cutting-edge technology, financial imperatives, and, geopolitical concerns. The discussion will touch upon Canada’s current strengths as well as its future potential to diversify into areas where it may become a world-leader. Finally, we will discuss the need for an overarching federal strategy that would ensure a smooth collaboration between all concerned stakeholders: scientists and engineers, financiers and policy makers, to make this transformation a success.
Summary of Conversations:
The panel discussion focused on Canada’s opportunities and challenges in the semiconductor industry. Historically, Canada succeeded in some areas like training talented chip designers and companies like Mitel, but lost the race in high-volume manufacturing. Canada retains strengths in niche areas like photonics, compound semiconductors, and gallium nitride. The panelists highlighted world-leading training programs at Canadian universities as an asset. However, they noted strategic intent, ambition and execution lag behind the US. Attendees raised issues like diversifying partnerships beyond the US and engaging with US programs. Recommendations included leveraging Canada’s raw material abundance. Overall, opportunities exist in fabless design and photonics startups, but Canada faces challenges competing at scale with the US. The discussion emphasized semiconductors’ economic and national security importance amidst geopolitical tensions.
Take Away Messages/ Current Status of the Challenges:
Recommendations (or Next Steps):
* Panel summary generated by OLGOO.com
Panel Abstract:
Canada, as all developed countries, has understood the immense value of investing in international collaborations. Connecting partners both on innovation and worldwide remains a complex task connecting numerous stakeholders. This panel will precisely focus on overcoming the numerous challenges to improve connections globally. The panel will gather existing programs in Canada including Entreprise Europe Network Canada, In2novation, Eureka, Euraxess North America and Horizon Europe all advocating for matchmaking for innovation partnerships with European partners. Panelists will focus on a session on “”international matchmaking and partnership building services”” where they would present various approaches to successfully delivering these services.
Summary of Conversations:
The panel discussion focused on fostering partnerships and collaboration between Europe and Canada. A study on international partnerships of Alberta companies found most already have European partners, but face challenges finding the right partners. Existing programs like Enterprise Europe Network and Horizon Europe can help connect researchers and companies to potential partners in Europe and beyond. Organizations in Europe have funding databases that allow researchers to identify collaborators. There are opportunities through Horizon Europe for greater Canadian participation. One program transitioning to Innovation for Canada will maintain its focus on assisting SMEs. Eureka, which began in Europe but expanded, adapts its funding model to local contexts. Networking remains important for finding partners across regions. A significant potential development is Canada negotiating to associate with pillar two of Horizon Europe, which could transform cooperation and the research landscape if successful.
Take Away Messages/ Current Status of the Challenges:
Recommendations (or Next Steps):
* Panel summary generated by OLGOO.com