Editorial - 18-3

Rumors abound over whether commercialization will be the focus of any new measures in the March 23rd federal Budget. One highly placed official has suggested it will, adding that the initiative could focus on existing clusters in Canada’s major cities.

As much as RE$EARCH MONEY supports the federal government’s participation in the commercialization process, a strong argument can be made that the Martin government should wait.

It’s critical at this stage in Canada’s evolution as a knowledge-based nation to properly select and implement the correct commercialization vehicle(s). Has enough consideration been given to the various models and which ones are more likely to succeed in the Canadian context?

Officials from the US Battelle Corp have been meeting this week with federal and Ontario officials. But many contend that it’s not the right model for Canada. Even one of Canada’s largest technology associations says the issue needs more study (see page 3). Let’s not rush this critical piece of Canada’s innovation system.