Editorial - 17-3

Those who think that the work funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) is far removed from critical public policy issues should think again. The chronically underfunded granting agency supports much of the research that informs the current debate on innovation, not to mention Canada’s future as a civil society armed with a robust, internationally competitive knowledge economy.

Too many among us think of the more esoteric disciplines that fall under the SSHRC banner, although these too have important research to contribute. SSHRC also funds research in Canada’s business schools, policy research units, law faculty and management departments — all of which allow decision makers to make informed, intelligent choices.

SSHRC’s efforts to further re-invent itself into a research funding body aligned with pressing themes and issues should therefore be applauded and fully supported. The changes it has already made are impressive, but one example is particularly noteworthy.

The Council’s Major Collaborative Research Initiatives program is currently funding groundbreaking work on regional clusters and cluster formation that will be invaluable as the knowledge economy evolves. Under the direction of Dr David Wolfe and Dr Meric Gertler, the Innovation Systems Research Network and its researchers are seeking answers to the questions on clusters that our federal government is now asking.

That’s just one example among many that justifies SSHRC’s renewal efforts. But are the politicians listening?