National Strategies and Priorities
"The Government supports an innovative economy and the creation of high-quality jobs through investments in education and training, basic and applied research, and the translation of public research knowledge to the private sector"
-Budget 2012
Over the last few years, the Government of Canada has increased its focus and placed more emphasis on science, technology and innovation as key elements of growing Canada's national prosperity. This is reflected in the Government of Canada’s most recent budgets.
- Budget 2010 featured the 5 year renewal of the International Science and Technology Partnerships Program (ISTPP).
- In Budget 2011, the Government of Canada introduced measures to support SMEs, drive innovation in Canada’s digital economy, strengthen Canada’s research advantage, and foster commercialization and business innovation.
- In Budget 2012, over $1.1 billion in direct R&D investments and $500 million in venture capital funding was announced.
Additionally, the Government of Canada is also in the process of updating the following initiatives:
- Mobilizing Science and Technology to Canada's Advantage - a comprehensive, multi-year science and technology agenda for the nation
- Seizing Global Advantage: A Global Commerce Strategy for Securing Canada's Growth and Prosperity - outlines the Government's international priorities for strengthening Canadian engagement in the global economy. The Strategy specifically speaks to the Government's plans to boost Canadian access to and engagement in global markets and investment and innovation networks.
