Editorial - 20-9

When it comes to S&T and Asia-Pacific, Canada needs to get its act together, and quickly. This country is in danger of missing out on major trade and collaboration opportunities with nations such as China, India, Korea and Singapore unless there's an aggressive and focused economic strategy aimed at countries and sectors where Canada can make a significant contribution.

At a RE$EARCH MONEY regional conference in Vancouver last month, representatives from business, government, and academia gathered to debate the issues and target areas where action is required. There was no shortage of ideas on how to leverage Canada's many advantages into opportunity. But there was also a consensus that this country's incredible endowment of natural resources has lulled governments and the public into a false sense of complacency.

While many in industry are eager to exploit the Canada advantage, the role of government is also critical in ensuring an appropriate supply of skill, promoting Canada as a brand and encouraging a culture where risk and reward are celebrated.

But several speakers noted that the current Tory five-point agenda makes no mention of S&T, innovation or competitiveness. At the provincial level, governments and universities must do a far better job at encouraging youth to pursue the sciences at the post-secondary level.

All sectors should come together quickly to devise an Asia-Pacific strategy that will produce major dividends when Vancouver hosts the world for the 2010 Winter Olympics. It's a rare opportunity that cannot be squandered.