2023 Conference – Science, International Affairs and Security

2023 Conference – Science, International Affairs and SecurityLaura Bethany2024-03-18T20:00:19-04:00

Theme: Science, International Affairs and Security

Luncheon Talk:

Luncheon Talk Discussion with Frédéric Bouchard and Dr. Baljit Singh

Conference Panels:

444: Semiconductor Realpolitik: Does Canada have what it takes?

450: Foster European partnerships: Learn about international matchmaking and partnership building services

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.

Luncheon Talk

Discussion with Frédéric Bouchard and Dr. Baljit Singh

Panel Date: November 15th, 2023
Speakers:
Dr. Baljit Singh
Frédéric Bouchard

See Panel Details

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:

Canada’s research support system is very fragmented, with too many funding programs and no certainty of funding for researchers.
There is concern that Canada is falling behind peer nations in research, with graduate students and postdocs unable to complete programs.
Brain drain is a reality rather than just a risk, as top talent leaves Canada for opportunities elsewhere.
Solutions need to focus more on supporting people rather than just projects and outputs.
Canada previously benefited from a net brain gain but must better support and invest in immigrant researchers.
Universities can improve postdoc support through enhanced career programming and interdisciplinary training.
Academia must help postdocs and researchers prepare for diverse careers outside of academia through policies and procedures.

Recommendations (or Next Steps):

Improve career development and training programs at universities to better prepare graduate students and postdocs for diverse careers both inside and outside of academia. This includes interdisciplinary training and partnerships with industry.
Reform funding programs to provide more certainty and continuity of funding for researchers, focusing on supporting people over projects. Consolidate the numerous fragmented programs.
Attract and retain more international talent by improving support programs and postdoc opportunities for immigrant researchers. Leverage newcomers’ expertise.
Address issues causing brain drain of Canadian researchers, such as inability to complete graduate programs. Provide incentives for top students to stay.
Increase support for organizations that provide supplementary research funding, through stable long-term public funding not reliant on limited external grant cycles.
Implement the recommendations from the federal research support system report, including reducing administrative burden on researchers.
Have universities share best practices on postdoc support and career development programs. Encourage collaboration between institutions.
Engage the research community in policy discussions on improving the funding environment and career pathways for researchers.

* Panel summary generated by OLGOO.com

Panel 444

Semiconductor Realpolitik: Does Canada have what it takes?

ENG CSPC2023 Panels - 42a - 444 Tuesday, November 14th 3:30pm -

Organized by: University of Waterloo and Business Development Bank of Canada
Speakers:
Dr. Alex Wilner
Dr. Duncan Stewart
Dr. Joyce Poon
Dr. Shahana Chatterjee
Gord Harling
Ruth Rayman
Panel Date: November 14th, 2023

See Panel Details

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:

Semiconductors are critical for economic growth and national security. Geopolitical tensions are increasing competition in this space.
Canada has strengths in training talented chip designers through university programs and industry consortiums that provide design tools and fabrication access.
Silicon photonics is an important emerging technology for future computing that Canada has leadership in.
Canada has built expertise in compound semiconductors like gallium nitride, with companies commercializing products in this area.
There are opportunities for Canada in fabless semiconductor design, photonics, and materials like gallium. Startups are emerging in these spaces.
Canada has world-leading training programs that develop semiconductor talent. Leveraging this talent will be key.
Engaging with US semiconductor programs can be challenging for Canadian startups. Diversifying partnerships beyond the US may be beneficial.
Canada could compete in mining raw materials like gallium that are abundant domestically and critical for semiconductors. This is a potential opportunity.

Recommendations (or Next Steps):

Continue investing in semiconductor research and training programs at Canadian universities like SciPIC to develop talent and IP. Leverage these programs to launch startups.
Build on existing strengths in niche areas like photonics, compound semiconductors, chip design and mining raw materials. Target applications in communications, power electronics, sensors.
Strengthen the startup ecosystem with incubators, accelerators and venture funding tailored to hardware companies. Provide subsidies for design tools and fabrication.
Develop a national strategy for semiconductors identifying priority technology areas and policy support needed. Coordinate across government, academia and industry.
Diversify international partnerships in the semiconductor supply chain beyond the US, including Europe and Asia. Pursue advanced R&D collaborations.
Upgrade capabilities for mining and refining raw materials used in semiconductors like silicon, gallium, germanium. Pursue vertical integration opportunities.
Grow compound semiconductor clusters anchored by multinational companies. Attract foreign direct investment.
Increase domestic demand for semiconductors through procurement programs and “made in Canada” requirements where feasible.
Provide incentives for manufacturing and commercialization activities while continuing to play to strengths in IP creation and design.
Strengthen domestic electronics and systems companies that can serve as customers for Canadian semiconductor startups.

* Panel summary generated by OLGOO.com

Panel 450

Foster European partnerships: Learn about international matchmaking and partnership building services

English
French

Organized by: University of Ottawa
Speakers:
Britta Baron
Dr. Clotilde Ribaut
Dr. Derya Buyuktanir Karacan
Dr. Fernando Angulo-Ruiz
Dr. Mary Kavanagh
Dr. Mona Nemer
H.E. Michel Miraillet
Mr. Eric Holdrinet
Panel Date: November 14th, 2023

See Panel Details

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:

There is strong interest from Canadian SMEs to form international partnerships, especially with Europe, for innovation, technology development, and business growth. However, finding the right partner is a major challenge.
Databases in Europe listing funded projects can help identify potential partners using keywords. Broader studies across Canada would provide greater insights into SME needs.
Major Canadian organizations like NRC and IRAP connect SMEs with Europe and provide partnership development services, from networking to project matchmaking events.
IRAP’s services will transition to a new Cooperation for Innovation program but maintain a focus on SMEs.
Eureka facilitates international partnerships through specialized funding contracts and events connecting universities, companies, and decision makers.
Resources from the EU like Euraxis North America help connect researchers to funding, jobs, and partners in Europe.
Horizon Europe offers significant funding opportunities, especially through Marie Curie and ERC actions and the large collaborative projects.

Recommendations (or Next Steps):

Conduct larger, more in-depth studies on international research partnerships between Canada and Europe with expanded samples and scope to better understand needs and opportunities.
Leverage existing connector organizations like NRC, Euraxis, and Eureka to help Canadian SMEs find relevant European partners and funding opportunities. Provide training to SMEs on utilizing these resources.
Promote participation of Canadian researchers and companies in EU programs like Horizon Europe and Marie Curie fellowships to increase mobility and collaboration.
Pursue Canada joining Horizon Europe as an associate member to expand access for Canadians to the program’s significant funding and partners.
Create more joint committees between Canada and European countries to identify priority areas for research collaboration based on complementary capabilities.
Develop specialized partnership building events like cluster matchmaking workshops to connect Canadian and European organizations around shared research and innovation goals.
Provide guides, advisors, and other support to help Canadian SMEs navigate and access funding programs and partnerships in Europe.
Encourage interdisciplinary, challenge-driven research projects between Canada and Europe to address pressing global issues.

* Panel summary generated by OLGOO.com

2023 Conference – Science, International Affairs and Security

Theme: Science, International Affairs and Security

Luncheon Talk:

Conference Panels:

Luncheon Talk

Discussion with Frédéric Bouchard and Dr. Baljit Singh

Panel 444

Semiconductor Realpolitik: Does Canada have what it takes?

Organized by: University of Waterloo and Business Development Bank of Canada Speakers: Dr. Alex Wilner Dr. Duncan Stewart Dr. Joyce Poon Dr. Shahana Chatterjee Gord Harling Ruth Rayman Panel Date: November 14th, 2023

Panel 450

Foster European partnerships: Learn about international matchmaking and partnership building services

English

French

Organized by: University of Ottawa Speakers: Britta Baron Dr. Clotilde Ribaut Dr. Derya Buyuktanir Karacan Dr. Fernando Angulo-Ruiz Dr. Mary Kavanagh Dr. Mona Nemer H.E. Michel Miraillet Mr. Eric Holdrinet Panel Date: November 14th, 2023

Organized by: University of Waterloo and Business Development Bank of Canada
Speakers:
Dr. Alex Wilner
Dr. Duncan Stewart
Dr. Joyce Poon
Dr. Shahana Chatterjee
Gord Harling
Ruth Rayman
Panel Date: November 14th, 2023

Organized by: University of Ottawa
Speakers:
Britta Baron
Dr. Clotilde Ribaut
Dr. Derya Buyuktanir Karacan
Dr. Fernando Angulo-Ruiz
Dr. Mary Kavanagh
Dr. Mona Nemer
H.E. Michel Miraillet
Mr. Eric Holdrinet
Panel Date: November 14th, 2023