Editorial - 16-3

The long wait is over. The government has released its innovation papers after many months of delays, internal wrangling and serious spin doctoring. And what we’ve been handed is a familiar “blueprint for economic growth” rather than a true innovation strategy.

Policy makers and economic leaders in Canada and elsewhere are acutely aware of what’s needed to spur innovation and improve competitveness. But have the politicians been listening? Support for commercialization of university and industrial research is one area. Another is the strengthening of public science and technology when a public role is appropriate. The list goes on.

To expect a small nation like Canada to initiate a host of innovative new programs and fiscal measures is unrealistic, particularly in an economic downturn. But prompt action is required and the need for speed seems to have been forgotten.

We’re told that Ottawa’s vague provisions for making Canada more innovative will have to wait until it concludes a lengthy period of government-orchestrated consultation. So what are we to make of last week’s unveiling by Industry Canada of one of the innovation paper’s recommendations — a world class scholarship program along the lines of the Rhodes Scholarship?

One strongly suspects that the federal government has a pretty good idea of what measures it wishes to implement first. But the optics of going it alone are political unpalatable. So prepare to be engaged and consulted. It’s going to be a very interesting year. Let’s just hope it’s not a futile one.

Mark Henderson, Managing Editor