The last two years have been among the most notable in Canadian Science and Innovation Policy. A number of strategic initiatives, plans, and reports have been announced or published. Among these notable policy frameworks are the blueprint for the Canada Innovation Corporation, the Bouchard Report, the National AI and Quantum Strategy, Science Strategies published by Environment Canada, Climate Change and Public Health Agency of Canada, the Business Council of Canada’s report: Building Resilience in a Shifting World, the Council of Canadian Academies report on Canada’s international collaboration in STI, and many more. Each report reflects a profound analysis and some shift in how we approach scientific and technological advancement, grounded in both national interests and global collaboration imperatives.

However, this raises a crucial question: Why is there so much dynamism in Canadian STI policy recently? The answer lies in the fast-paced and complex challenges we are encountering as a society. From climate change and health crises to rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and growing security concerns, fierce global competition in innovation and geopolitical shifts, to name a few. This unprecedented level of challenges requires immediate attention and response, and STI is an important factor in all these.

Canada’s research priorities are evolving, as there is a clear need for change. The Bouchard Report has continued the emphasis on the crucial need for much more coordination and alignment among funding agencies and in our approach to international collaboration and in inter- and multidisciplinary research fields. There is also so much discussion on more mission-oriented research that aligns to ensure Canada’s investments translate into tangible societal and economic benefits. These issues are fundamental in our research policy to ensure Canada’s optimal efficacy in dealing with new realities.

On global collaboration, geopolitical shifts have transformed the nature of international collaboration, especially in research and innovation. Tensions between major economies and questions around technology sovereignty and research security have all influenced Canada’s STI policy. This balance between security and collaboration is likely to be a critical feature of Canadian STI policy for the foreseeable future, as the country navigates an increasingly complex global environment. This recalibration has led to a more strategic approach to international collaboration, ensuring that Canada’s STI initiatives align with its security and economic interests. Canada’s engagement with Horizon Europe is a bold move in that direction. This engagement strengthens Canada’s collaboration with the EU and allows our researchers to gain access to a larger pool of knowledge and resources.

As for economic growth and innovation, Canada needs serious work. Canada’s innovation policy, while strong in certain areas, faces significant challenges. Private sector investment, as a percentage of GDP, is well below the average of OECD countries, and our productivity has continuously been declining. These challenges have been on the radar for a long time, and several reports have been published and panels appointed to investigate these issues, but we still have not seen much progress. We also must do better in fostering better public-private partnerships, increase support for mission-oriented innovation, and ensure that talent and resources are aligned with our strategic national priorities. One continuous area of challenge is the fragmentation and insufficient coordination among various tiers of government.

We live in a transformative era, where changes in science, technology, innovation, and even politics are fast-paced. The rapid pace of changes requires a proactive, adaptive approach to policymaking. As we move forward, it will be essential for Canada to continue adapting its STI policy to address new and emerging challenges. This will require sustained investment, strategic foresight, and a commitment to stability.

In conclusion, these past two years reflect a pivotal moment in Canadian STI policy, a moment defined by complexity, urgency, and possibility. The strategies developed during this period will shape the future of Canadian science and innovation.