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Canada's Innovation Strengths and Priorities

"Innovation is, simply put, the understanding that better is always possible. It is the key that unlocks possibilities and opportunities. From urban centres to rural farms, from researchers looking to secure new patents to entrepreneurs working to bring their products to market, innovation is what allows Canadians to adapt to change and prepare for the future."

-Budget 2017

Canada is a world leader in science, technology and innovation, and is recognized as one of the most innovative and competitive economies in the world.

Budget 2018 – Next Steps in the Innovation and Skills Plan

Budget 2018 builds on the Innovation and Skills Plan by transforming and re-tooling Canada’s innovation programs to better support Canada’s innovators.

Budget 2017 - Building a prosperous and innovative Canada

The Innovation and Skills Plan is an ambitious effort to make Canada a world leading centre for innovation, to help create more good, well-paying jobs, and help strengthen and grow the middle class.

Innovation Expertise in Canada

Canada has a long history of investing in R&D, funding industry and academic partnership programs, implementing innovation friendly policies and regulations and encouraging private-sector advancement of science and technology. All of that is proof of Canada’s commitment to commercialization, industry-driven research and becoming an innovation partner to the world.

SectorAreas of expertise
Environment and agriculture
  • Water — health, energy, security
  • Biotechnology
  • Aquaculture
  • Sustainable methods of accessing energy and mineral resources from unconventional sources
  • Food and food systems
  • Climate change research and technology
  • Disaster mitigation
Information and communications technologies (ICT)
  • New media, animation and games
  • Communications networks and services
  • Cybersecurity
  • Advanced data management and analysis
  • Machine-to-machine systems
  • Quantum computing
  • Machine learning and artificial intelligence
Health and life sciences
  • Neuroscience and mental health
  • Regenerative medicine
  • Health in an aging population
  • Biomedical engineering and medical technologies
Advanced manufacturing
  • Automation (including robotics)
  • Lightweight materials and technologies
  • Additive manufacturing
  • Quantum materials
  • Nanotechnology
  • Aerospace
  • Automotive
Natural resources and energy
  • Responsible development and monitoring in the Arctic
  • Bioenergy, fuel cells and nuclear energy
  • Bio-products
  • Pipeline safety

Key National Strategies

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