Editorial - 30-1

Canada's research and innovation communities are expressing optimism and dread in equal measure as an S&T-friendly government takes power amidst the continuing meltdown of the commodities markets. Missteps by the previous government are coming into sharp focus, with their science, technology and innovation (STI) policy being variously described as "a lost decade" and "the dark era".

Organizations that stumbled under the belt tightening and incessant focus on natural resources of the Harper administration are now articulating their needs so they can play their part in restoring and enhancing Canada's role as an effective knowledge player in the global economy.

Those needs are not insubstantial. The granting councils, Genome Canada, post-secondary institutions, government departments and others are lining up to seek favour from the Liberal government, which appears to comprehend the magnitude of the hole in which the previous administration buried them through benign neglect.

Yet with the fiscal cupboard virtually bare, the competition for new (or restored) funding is going to be intense. Happily, STI has climbed the ladder of government priorities, with numerous signals indicating the knowledge economy will be a primary focus of the upcoming Budget.

When Finance minister Bill Morneau delivers his inaugural annual fiscal plan in late March, all eyes will be on the deficit spending the Liberals have pledged for infrastructure over the next three years.

It's critical that a healthy slice of that money is directed toward STI, particularly basic research.