Editorial - 21-8

There's emerging consensus that Ottawa may be encouraging the provinces to take the lead on key files within the innovation portfolio. The latest example is the launch of an Alberta nanotechnology strategy (see lead story) — the second province after Quebec to emerge with a fully articulated approach to a specific platform technology.

Under the Liberal government, a federal nanotech strategy was in full development. But with the change in government, it fell off the table where it has remained invisible ever since. As a niche player in global nanotech, the provinces are keen the tie its development to their own economic priorities. Ottawa seems happy to take a reactionary position.

Once the key provinces weigh in with their tailor-made strategies, Ottawa can presumably come forward with financial support (research funding is a federal responsibility) and to collaborate.

The shift is consistent with the Conservative government's desire to devolve power to the provinces while keeping a handle on overall coordination, international branding and high-level visioning. It also has a role on the international regulatory front, as nanotech has the potential to be as sensitive an issue as biotechnology was in the late 1990s.

But there's risk in this approach. Most competing countries have national nanotech strategies, which provide a coherent framework to work against. Whatever the intent of the federal government, Canada must move quickly on nanotech. A new report from Lux Research says Canada is a minor player, limited by meagre government and corporate funding.