Nearly $3.4 billion in federal spending through the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) during the last three years has failed to improve Canada’s “disastrous” innovation performance and productivity, say some innovation and policy experts. An analysis by Research Money of SIF data shows that Ontario, Quebec and foreign-based firms have received the lion’s share of SIF funding.
Topic: job creation
Oil and gas innovation network offers $80 million in clean technology competitions
The Clean Resource Innovation Network (CRIN) is making up to $80 million in federal funding available through oil and gas industry challenges to accelerate the development and commercialization of clean technology.
Analysis: Updated mandate for federal innovation minister shows a Prime Minister preoccupied with COVID-19
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is much more focused on his government’s response to COVID-19 than on science and innovation priorities, judging by the PM’s updated mandate letter to the minister of innovation. The letter mentions the world “innovation” once, compared with more than a half-dozen references to COVID-19 and the federal response to the pandemic
Ottawa defends innovation performance and initiatives to strengthen ecosystem
Innovation Science and Economic Development Canada, in a detailed response to growing criticisms, defends the federal government’s innovation performance, policies and programs.
Superclusters’ focus on collaboration is reaping benefits for Canadian SMEs
Small and medium companies are hiring more employees, partnering with larger firms and expanding into new markets as a result of their participation in Canada’s superclusters.
Alberta hopes to attract investment in zero-emission industry with world’s largest carbon pipeline
Alberta expects its new carbon pipeline, the world’s largest, will attract companies wanting to build zero-emission industrial plants in the province.
Edmonton and Calgary launch “Alberta Innovation Corridor” to grow startups
Alberta’s two largest cities are teaming up to multiply their tech startups. Through the new innovation corridor, they will coordinate programs and services, collaborate on marketing and policy recommendations, and focus on securing early-stage funding for startups.