Editorial - 19-9

It could be argued that Dr Pierre’s Coulombe’s career to date has been in preparation for the challenges he now faces as president of the National Research Council (NRC). Armed with a wealth of experience in running large organizations, growing companies and developing S&T policy, he must wield those qualities in support of an organization that — if properly restructured and positioned — is poised to gain strength as a central engine of innovation and wealth creation.

In the four months since his arrival, Coulombe has taken stock of the NRC’s human and material assets and embraced a process of renewal that is inextricably tied to the federal government’s emerging innovation and commercialization agendas. In a recent interview with RE$EARCH MONEY, he demonstrated a deep knowledge and comprehension of the innovation process and the ways in which NRC can play an increasingly effective role.

But there’s a catch and overcoming it will require Coulombe to draw upon all of his accumulated skills sets. Like Dr Arthur Carty before him, he is faced with a stagnant core budget and a government that has steadfastly resisted increases despite many convincing arguments to the contrary.

What the NRC needs now is a forceful advocate for increased A-base funding and a willingness to make changes, not a skillful bureaucrat who ducks confrontation. Coulombe comes from outside the Ottawa establishment, which is a definite point in favour. He must marshall his collective skills and knowledge for a revitalized NRC that plays a sets the standard for S&T excellence, private sector innovation and global recognition.