Editorial - 26-10

It wasn't that long ago when Canada was considered an R&D laggard on the world stage. Willing to enter international collaborations and bilateral partnerships, Canada wasn't nearly as enthusiastic when it came to paying its fair share. Then there was the remarkable ramp-up in R&D investment of the 1990s and early 2000s, putting Canada back in the game.

Lately, however, doubt is being cast on our reputation as an equal funding partner. International research initiatives such as CERN and the Square Kilometre Array radio telescope are waiting to see whether Canada will step up with the resources to participate in these major international research initiatives. Now Brazil can be added to the list of potential international partners wondering if Canada understands the concept of pay-to-play.

Brazil is becoming an S&T super power. Its federal and state governments are pouring resources in key areas to address weaknesses in its S&T profile. While its GERD-to-GDP ratio remains lower than Canada's, it's rising fast. And Brazil's debt-to-GDP ratio is far lower than Canada's (66% versus 85%). That gives it greater flexibility to spend on initiatives like its remarkable scholarship program.

What, then, are we to make of Canada's support for bilateral R&D relations with Brazil? Outside of one small R&D program and a few individual links between universities and companies, Canada isn't in the game.

Canadian companies, universities and colleges are eager to collaborate with their Brazilian counterparts but it needs federal support to make it happen.