The innovation imperative

Acting today for tomorrow's prosperity

By Ian Thomas

Having had over 20 years' experience in science and technology/innovation administration, and with retirement beckoning, I have had some time of late to reflect on how far Canada has travelled in these past two decades, utilizing the "innovation engine" to become a more globally competitive player. Regrettably, at the national level, we have not travelled far, and this was borne out last year, when the Conference Board of Canada's graded us with a ‘D' in innovation. Even if, at the regional/provincial level, there have been many advances and successes, the sum of these parts does not make an encouraging whole.

Back in 1991, I organized an international event in Victoria BC, bringing together members of S&T advisory councils from across Canada, the US, the UK and Australia. The agenda included such topics as: Building a Science Culture; Accessing Capital; Technology Commercialization – policies, tools and practices; Partnerships and Collaboration; and Science Awareness. What do the agendas look like for similar meetings and gatherings in 2009? Exactly the same! What have we accomplished in the last two decades? Seemingly not much, although many of the players can cite advancements, but perhaps not as profound (and innovative!) as delegates to that 1991 event had hoped.

Notwithstanding the current economic downturn, the key to this country's future prosperity and economic growth is a value-added, diversified economy based on knowledge and research. Firms, industries, regions and countries thrive (or languish) on how they use knowledge. Innovation drives economies and it is innovation that involves sustained and diversified development, adaptation, and adoption of new technologies, products, markets and organizations.

Did the January federal Budget acknowledge this? As important and timely as it is to invest in our infrastructure, how many times were the words "knowledge", "innovation", "technology" found in budget papers? They were significant by their absence.

Canada's future success, using innovation to stimulate prosperity, is dependent on:

* Fostering economic diversification to offset global shifts in world prices and resource supplies;

* Recognizing that the post-secondary education and innovation systems are challenged to respond to the short-term needs of the labour market while stimulating long-term economic sustainability through research, innovation and commercialization; and

* Stimulating creative ideas, as well as maximizing research investments, by managing those investments more effectively and focusing on strategic niches where Canada is, or could be, a global leader.

The need to recognize the innovation imperative is critical. It applies not just to companies, but also to government agencies, universities and colleges, and local communities. Breakthroughs on issues that really matter —– safety and security, healthcare, quality of life and education (at all levels) — depend on collaboration, networking of capabilities and ideas across public, private, industry and disciplinary boundaries.

For Canada to be globally competitive it must adopt an effective and efficient innovation agenda that will sustain and enhance our long-term prosperity and quality of life. At the same time, S&T and innovation strategies, policies and collaboration between the key players and stakeholders must be coordinated and aligned and, in all cases, practiced under the umbrella and rubric of world-class excellence.

Canada's small- and medium-sized enterprises must be able to compete successfully in world markets, provide skilled employment for all Canadians and strengthen the Canadian economy and quality of life.

Success will also be reflected in our national ability to attract and retain highly qualified people and companies, who, with the ability and environment that encourages innovation, are able to turn innovation into commercial success.

By building on strengths in our areas of priority and comparative advantage —– energy, life sciences, nanotechnology and information and communications technologies, amongst others — Canada will be setting its own agenda and adding value to the economy. The accordant technology solutions to the challenges within these sectors will enable Canada to keep pace with our global competitors.

Research-intensive companies create value and drive value-added growth. The Canadian business environment and landscape is dominated by small companies, so an environment that enables these companies to grow is critical.

Canada needs to develop and foster a globally competitive innovation system through a high degree of strategic coherence among all partners involved in the innovation agenda including the provincial government agencies, federal government, research institutions, technology commercialization organizations and industry.

Canadians are well-positioned to be proactive about the future and take steps to create value-added growth. If we can ensure that all stakeholders are committed to taking steps that will encourage economic diversification of the economy, with research-intensive companies an integral part offering value-added goods and services, there is a viable and competitive future for Canada.

Ian Thomas is the retiring Director of Innovation Policy in Alberta's Department of Advanced Education and Technology.