NRIP takes holistic approach to assisting businesses innovation and R&D

The need for strong vibrant industry sectors figures prominently in the Quebec government's new National Research and Innovation Policy (NRIP). It contains $1 billion over five years to enhance competitiveness by stimulating new partnerships and encouraging collaboration and increased corporate R&D spending. The policy singles out seven broad industry sectors (see chart) for specific support and serves up several measures designed to encourage smaller businesses to innovate and market with a view towards global markets.

The NRIP addresses the entire spectrum of the innovation ecosystem. It reflects the considerable input of the business community at large, from a First Patent program and enhanced support for college tech transfer to a one-stop portal for innovation intermediaries, tax assistance and marketing support,

"We're glad to see how much our consultation was put in front of the minister who listened carefully to all aspects we raised," says Jean-Louis Legault, president and CEO of the Association for Research Development and Innovation in Quebec (ADRIQ). "It (the policy) is not perfect but our satisfaction comes from the fact that there was a lot of listening."

Business reaction to the NRIP has been generally positive — with the exception of big pharma — as the document largely alleviates concerns that the change in government (and the ministry under which research and innovation falls) would dilute the prominent role industry played in the province's previous Quebec Research and Innovation Strategy.

ADRIQ prepared a formal submission to the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MHERST) that included 10 policy recommendations and 15 priority themes for inclusion in the policy. Legault says all were reflected at some level in the policy

"The policy is a great base but people and industry will make the difference. It's the whole ecosystem," says Legault. "Industry needs to step up to the plate and so do universities, colleges, government, associations and consultants. The table is set for something great but it's a people thing."

The Consortium for Research and Innovation in Aerospace in Quebec (CRIAQ) is highlighted in the policy as a template for other industry-post-secondary collaborations. In encourages companies in the seven priority sectors to consider similar consortia, although Legault cautions any new initiatives must recognize that each sector has its own economic profile and level of maturity.

The policy also calls for $291 million in additional tax credits to encourage innovation and marketing

"The policy is aimed at small business which represent 80% of jobs in Quebec. The policys want to seduce them into thinking about research and innovation," says Quebec chief scientist Dr Rémi Quirion. "It also provides support to send students to companies, for training and help them file their first patent."

"I invite everyone to work with the policy and get going, rather than figuring out what's missing," says Legault. "ADRIQ wants to play a strong role going forward."

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