System Integration and Dual Technologies: A Stronger Role for Knowledge Institutions

The proliferation of conflicts around the world and the 2024 election south of our border have awakened countries to the importance of defense sovereignty, and Canada is no exception. Prime Minister Mark Carney has confirmed that defense will have a prominent place on his list of priorities. The word “defense” is on everyone’s lips. Canada has committed to reaching the widely discussed target of 2% of GDP by 2025. NATO allies haveagreed to increase this percentage to 5% by 2035, paving the way for billions in new investment from the federal government.

In an increasingly uncertain world, there is talk of investing in a new industrial defense strategy. The race is on: companies specializing in military technology – and beyond – are eager to contribute to Canada’s innovation needs in this key sector.

To achieve Canada’s objectives, the government will need to focus on everything related to defense and aim for a broad range of expertise. This includes research and innovation. For example, Canada could invest in the development of technologies for energy independence in remote areas, which could help military bases as well as rural and Indigenous communities in isolated regions. As this example shows, Canada could invest in innovations that are mutually beneficial to civil society and national defense. These are known as dual-use technologies.

Numerous ongoing research projects and innovations are giving rise to new technologies that contribute to the efforts of both Canada and NATO – particularly through their dual-use potential. Universities, colleges, and research centers are stepping up, often in collaboration with industry.

Some institutions are already taking action and are ready to go.

In recent years, a project aimed at strengthening the interoperability of national and civil security systems has been taking shape. This project, led by the Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS) and NexDev | Développement économique du Haut-Richelieu, is being developed in collaboration with the École de technologie supérieure (ETS), the Cégep de Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, the Centre de recherche et d’innovation en sécurité civile (Centre RISC), the Royal Military College, and the CTT Group. Ultimately, it will be a valuable tool for strengthening Canada’s technological sovereignty.

System interoperability is a theme of paramount importance in our desire to create more effective surveillance systems, for example, to link ground sensors with satellites, or to promote the configuration of networks with international partners to carry out joint critical missions. The combination of telecommunications technologies covering different spectral bands represents both a technical and organizational challenge, as it requires the coordination of different actors and entities.

As part of this initiative, partner higher education institutions in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu are proposing the creation of a joint research unit (UMR) that would bring together researchers from each institution within a new Research and Innovation Center in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu.

With its strong industrial ties in the region, this center will serve as a hub for collaboration, training, research, innovation, and commercialization, bringing together staff from colleges, universities, businesses, and public partners to promote innovation in security and defense through dual-use technologies.

Several private partners in the region are also interested in participating in the project.

This innovative network will propel and consolidate the region’s leading role in the field of security and defense by accelerating the transition from idea to market. Québec and, more broadly, Canada could become fertile ground for the emergence of promising new technologies. These new technologies could take the form of vision systems, decision-making software, digital twins, or simulation platforms. This expertise allows advances in civil or public safety research to benefit from innovations in defense, and vice versa.

The ingenious networking between local stakeholders, businesses, and higher education institutions, such as that which exists in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, will enable Canada to respond to its strategic challenges and position itself advantageously in the world.

Universities, colleges, and research centers are therefore on board; all that remains is to support these promising initiatives.