NSERC's Strategic Networks program becoming a national force for S&T collaboration

One of Canada's most under-recognized research programs may finally be getting some long-overdue exposure with the announcement of seven new NSERC Strategic Networks (NSN) and funding of $35 million over five years. The networks — originally selected 16 months ago but not announced until March 19th — involve a dizzying array of industrial, academic and government partners focused on building critical mass around a particular industrial, social or environmental challenge.

Previously called the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council's Research Networks Program, each NSN receives $1 million annually for five years, with no opportunity for renewal. That base funding was recently augmented by another $200,000 annually for Networks seeking to enhance international linkages, commercialize products or processes and student training. Industry and government partners also contribute resources (most often in-kind), giving the NSN program considerable scientific and financial muscle.

Since the 2007 competition, another round has been completed with six more Networks selected that remain unannounced. They bring the NSN total to 24, with funding of nearly $29 million annually once the latest Networks are fully funded.

"The ability to bring together a critical mass of talent is a really important aspect of this program," says Janet Walden, NSERC's VP research partnerships programs (RPP). "It leverages the whole research system and NSERC's goal is to connect and apply strengths in the academic research system to build prosperity for Canada."

The increasingly targeted nature of federal funding for university research has been a boon for the initiatives involving multi-sectoral collaboration, with nearly all of the 2008 Budget's $34-million enhancement of NSERC's base budget flowing to the RPP. That funding targeted research for the forestry, automotive, manufacturing and fisheries sectors.

"Across the board, all of our partnership programs have gained increased profile as the government changes focus to commercialization," says Walden.

A compelling example of NSN's economic and social impact is the experience of Smart Technologies participation in NECTAR — Network for Effective Collaboration Technologies through Advanced Research. Running from 2004 to 2008, NECTAR facilitated the collaboration of 16 companies with six universities focused on human-computer interaction and computer-supported cooperative work.

At the recent RE$EARCH MONEY conference, Smart Technologies co-founder and executive chairman David Martin credited the Network for accelerating the firm's technology development and advancing the its position internationally.

"We were able to do in weeks and months things that on a commercial scale hadn't been possible," said Martin.

Walden agrees. saying NECTAR has contributed to Smart's rapid growth and dominance in the global interactive white board market and has led to support for two NSERC industrial research chairs.

NSN has become one of NSERC's most successful programs and Walden says there are many more examples of companies benefitting from their participation in one of the Networks. She adds that social and environmental benefits also flow from the Networks, citing the Canadian Aquatic Invasive Species Network and its impact on better regulations for ballast water.

Like most of NSERC's programs, NSN has a strong training component, providing skills to students who often obtain jobs at participating companies.

"The program focuses on important areas for the future of Canada so we have to ensure we have the right pipeline of people to move those areas forward," says Walden.

R$