Defence Spending as a Catalyst for Inclusive Innovation in Canada

History demonstrates that defence spending has often acted as a powerful catalyst for technological advancement. From radar and GPS to the early foundations of the internet, some of the most transformative innovations of the past century were initially developed through military research and later became integral to civilian life. Canada may now find itself at a similar inflection point, with the federal government committed to significantly increasing defence spending. Given the research-intensive nature of the defence sector, this presents a unique opportunity for technological advancement, and long-term community engagement.

Communities as Partners in Innovation

Traditionally, defence-related R&D investments have flowed primarily into industry, academic institutions, and government research institutions. These actors will remain central, but Canada should also consider how local communities can contribute to, and benefit from, these investments. The country’s geographic and strategic realities—stretching across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic—underscore the value of community-level engagement.

The Arctic, for example, has long posed distinctive defence challenges. Communities there have already contributed through infrastructure development and volunteering with the reserves. Yet opportunities exist for more engagement. Imagine local residents adopting small-scale drone technologies for recreational or environmental purposes, which could simultaneously provide valuable surveillance to the Canadian Armed Forces. This model mirrors how security cameras in homes or businesses often assist law enforcement in investigations or in locating missing persons—low-barrier contributions with significant collective impact.

Another example can be drawn from British Columbia’s coastal communities. Many residents in these areas, having experience in coastal navigation, could partner with defence agencies to deploy autonomous sensor networks for monitoring coastal waters. These networks could provide early warning of potential threats, assist in search-and-rescue operations, or support environmental research, while also fostering public engagement in technology.

Naturally, the question arises: how can smaller or remote communities (often facing educational, economic, and technological challenges) realistically engage in such endeavors? The answer lies in effective collaboration with local institutions. While specialized research will continue to rest with experts in academia, government, and industry, the broader landscape is evolving. With wide-spread availability of artificial intelligence tools and the growing accessibility of information, there are significant opportunities to democratize participation in innovation.

Bridging the AI Gap Through Community Engagement

Canada is recognized as a global leader in AI research, yet adoption here lags discovery. Building community-focused frameworks for AI adoption could address this gap. 

For example, in downtown Montreal, local initiatives involving universities and community associations have facilitated robotics contests, hackathons, Al literacy training, and cybersecurity awareness campaigns. These initiatives demonstrate that when communities are given opportunities, they can meaningfully contribute to the broader innovation ecosystem.

Another example can be found in Halifax, where community-run coding clubs have engaged youth and residents in hands-on technology workshops. Participants learnt about simple drones, sensor devices, and cybersecurity tools, gaining skills that can later be applied to maritime security and environmental monitoring. These examples demonstrate how grassroots engagement can help bridge the AI adoption gap while cultivating local talent aligned with national objectives.

Focusing on Inclusive Innovation Across Canada

Canada’s diversity ensures that no single model of engagement will apply universally. What works in urban Montreal or coastal Halifax will not be directly transferable to the remote Arctic or rural Ontario. However, the strength of Canada lies in its local institutions and culture of social collaboration. By linking educational institutions, community organizations, government and industry partners, Canada can establish a framework for inclusive innovation that extends the benefits of defence spending beyond traditional stakeholders.

In this vision, AI and related technologies are not confined only to laboratories. They become tools through which citizens develop basic competencies, strengthen resilience, and contribute to national missions. Community-focused initiatives allow people of all ages and backgrounds to engage meaningfully with technology. For instance, cybersecurity remains a significant national concern for Canada. Extending cybersecurity awareness into communities—through workshops, volunteer-led tech clinics, and online tutorials—enables citizens to actively support national priorities regarding cybersecurity. Similarly, hands-on programs in robotics, drones, and environmental sensors provide youth with practical skills and increase youth interest in STEM, while indirectly benefiting defence objectives.

A powerful illustration of community-engaged innovation is Concordia University’s student-led Starsailor Rocket project, which made headlines with its recent launch in northern Quebec on 15 August. Student volunteers from Space Concordia designed, built, and launched their own rocket, not only demonstrating their enthusiasm and engineering skills but also engaging the wider community in the excitement of space and science. This example shows how cutting-edge defence-related technologies can be demystified and embraced by the public outside traditional industry, government or academic circles.

Defence Spending as a National Opportunity

Defence spending, therefore, should not be viewed solely as an investment in military capacity. It represents an opportunity to accelerate technological adoption and foster inclusive economic growth. By aligning national defence commitments with community engagement, Canada can advance its security objectives, strengthen innovation capacity, and create pathways for citizens to contribute to the nation’s scientific mission. Through these measures, defence spending can generate broad societal benefits, from enhancing education and workforce development to stimulating local innovation ecosystems.