Editorial - 28-8

The aggregate data on Canada's innovation performance may be cause for concern, but that isn't stopping individual universities and companies from leveraging the excellent talent and research being generated in this country. As two examples examined in this issue demonstrate, the global arena is where the opportunities are arising.

McMaster Univ is pursuing collaboration with Germany's Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology to establish a unique Biomedical Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing facility in Hamilton (see page 6). McMaster has received $12 million in commitments to date and is trying to persuade the federal government of the project's merits.

In nearby Mississauga, the Xerox Research Centre of Canada has formed an alliance with the renowned Battelle Memorial Institute in Columbus OH to generate new discoveries and clients for their respective organizations (see lead article). By coupling research expertise and state-of-the-art facilities, the path from lab bench to market will be accelerated to mutual benefit.

As Governor General David Johnston observed in his address to the OCE Discovery conference in Toronto (see page 6), Canada must embrace collaboration in all its forms and across borders to build upon a strong base of scientific excellence and education.

Ottawa is trying to facilitate the internationalization of Canadian research with a flurry of trade deals. It can go further by restoring the cuts to our trade offices around the world and giving Canadian innovation the support it deserves.