Editorial - 28-7

They came from the opposite ends of the debate but were united in their contention that Canada desperately needs an industrial innovation policy. At the recent RE$EARCH MONEY Conference, Drs Adam Chowaniec and Richard Hawkins faced off on the merits of whether future science, technology and innovation policy should focus on the needs of start-up companies.

The first-ever conference debate between the two policy heavyweights produced powerful ammunition, both pro and con, resulting in a tie when it came time for the audience to vote on the respective arguments. What was surprising was the call for policies that recognize the merits and potential of innovative Canadian firms regardless of size.

Without a robust policy environment, attempts by governments to stimulate innovative economic activity are bound to be sub-optimum. Comprehensive data sets on Canada's sectoral strengths are also essential for plotting future direction in conjunction with key stakeholders.

It's increasingly evident that Canada's relatively strong economic performance is inordinately reliant upon non-renewable resource extraction. Science and technology play a huge role in the long-term growth and success of our natural resource sectors, but they are also key to global competitiveness in many other industries which rely on constant innovation.

It's incumbent upon the forthcoming S&T Strategy to provide at least the groundwork for that policy framework so that Canadian firms can compete with the world's best and win.