Editorial - 22-3

Canada is waking up to the precarious state of federal support for S&T and the rest of the world is taking notice. A recent editorial in Nature magazine lays into the federal government for its handling of the science file, spreading its criticism across several key files including big science and expert advice (see page 4).

The criticisms are largely warranted and Nature is serving as a much needed catalyst for discussion on an issue that's central to Canada's future competitiveness and prosperity. Yet one has to wonder why it took a UK-based publication to generate the discussion. RE$EARCH MONEY has long been aware of the growing number of pressure points in Canada's innovation system and has reported on them extensively.

Operating funds for major science facilities, indirect costs of research, international scholarships, enhancements to the R&D tax credit program — the list goes on. Dissatisfaction with the lack of support for these areas is widespread but expressions are typically made in confidence or offline at networking events.

A wider discussion of these issues must occur and many are looking to the S&T community and wondering why there have been no public expressions of concern.

Successful innovation requires bold vision, risk taking and a determination to successfully confront challenges to successful outcomes. The timidity of the S&T community offers an opportunity for political decision-makers to ignore their entreaties for support, opening the door for other countries to take advantage and forge ahead. It's a recipe for trouble.