Editorial - 19-1

Federal S&T needs a clear and forceful signal that its potential for making a far greater contribution to national innovation and productivity is recognized and welcomed by its political masters. A major forum of federal scientists and managers provided a stark reminder that the status quo is simply not working and failure to take quick action could have dire long-term consequences (see page 5).

Over the past 10 years, Ottawa’s treatment of federal S&T has been (with several notable exceptions) a sorry case of benign neglect. Restrictive regulatory and labour policies, aging infrastructure and miserly funding levels are all coalescing to threaten federal S&T’s capacity for contributing to the national system of innovation.

The forum heard many calls for change to facilitate better interaction between federal laboratories and their counterparts in academia and industry. The latest report from the Council of Science and Technology Advisors (CSTA) reinforces that message, calling for a revision of the Financial Administration Act and a new model for federal S&T to facilitate better linkages within and external to government (see page 6).

Many forum delegates expressed frustration that their concerns are not being addressed. But this year could be different. The themes of integration and linkage are potent ones that directly address criticisms of previous proposals.

With the budget likely just weeks away, the timing of the forum and the release of the CSTA report couldn’t have been better. Whether their messages are are being heard is another matter entirely.