Abstract:
Applied research has been contributing to the innovation ecosystem for decades and moving Canada’s industry and innovation strategy. Complimentary but different to basic research, applied research address real-world problems in real -time! The essence of applied research is identifying practical solutions to industry driven specific problems. Applied research is accelerating solution to market while transforming and contribute to economy and job creation. The Canadian industry is primary made-up up of small businesses and medium sized enterprise which employ 63.8% (StatsCan 2022) of the workforce. Applied research is a way to connect this industry to the innovation ecosystem. Many reports have demonstrated that businesses are struggling with technological development sustainability and have limited resources to face these challenges. Applied research ecosystem however lacks the visibility, often misunderstood in terms of what is applied research and pivotal role we play in contributing to Canadian innovation ecosystem, steady industry competitiveness and train the future workforce. This panel will highlight how colleges and polytechnics support Canada’s industry and innovation strategy and the impacts made to emerging economic trends. The panel also highlights what is the value proposition of applied research, benefits of industry partnership and how applied research elevates the innovation ecosystem.

Summary of Conversations

The discussion centered on the importance of applied research in bridging the gap between research and practical outcomes, emphasizing its role in addressing Canada’s innovation and productivity challenges. It highlighted how colleges and polytechnics specialize in industry-partnered, problem-driven research, de-risking technology development and accelerating its adoption. Unique partnerships enable rapid prototyping and commercialization, enhancing business competitiveness. The conversation underscored the significance of these collaborations in job creation, addressing societal challenges, and aligning research goals with industry needs. Data from CI Can was shared, revealing substantial research activity driven by federal investment and industry partnerships. The importance of work-integrated learning opportunities for students and the focus on supporting SMEs was also emphasized, along with the unique IP policies that facilitate industry collaboration. The talk concluded with examples of applied research activities in rural communities and the role of technology access centers in supporting innovation.

Take Away Messages/ Current Status of Challenges

Here are the takeaways from this conversation:

• Canada lags behind its peers in converting research ideas into tangible economic and societal outcomes, despite significant R&D investments.
• Applied research plays a crucial role in translating research expertise into measurable economic impact by creating new models.
• Colleges and polytechnics specialize in industry-partnered research, working at the speed of business to de-risk and mobilize technology adoption.
• Unique partnerships between researchers and industry professionals lead to rapid prototyping and commercialization.
• Applied research partnerships address societal challenges, from healthcare to sustainable practices, aligning research with industry needs.
• A small percentage of Tri-Agency funding is allocated to applied research, necessitating reliance on industry partnerships.
• A significant portion of applied research projects involve SMEs, highlighting the sector’s importance for smaller enterprises.
• Fraudulent honey impacts beekeeping in Canada by driving honey prices down and adding issues to the industry.

Recommendations/Next Steps

Here are the recommended next steps:

• Increase investment in applied research to maximize the impact of research investments and ensure tangible results for Canadian industry and citizens.
• Reimagine how all post-secondary institutions contribute to the innovation ecosystem, recognizing the distinct roles of fundamental and applied research.
• Prioritize dedicated and stable investment in applied research to accelerate innovation, drive economic growth, and train the future workforce.
• Continue fostering collaboration between industry and research institutions to leverage academic expertise and deploy practical solutions.
• Further develop sustainable farming practices and integrate technology to support local farmers.
• Enhance healthcare delivery in rural areas through telemedicine, mobile clinics, and community health initiatives.
• Support technology readiness levels (TRL) from 4 to 8 to bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and practical application.
• Expand technology access centers to provide valuable R&D innovation services to SMEs, assisting in prototyping, scaling, and addressing business challenges.