Editorial - 16-11

Like a slow moving freight train, Ottawa’s innovation agenda is gathering speed and on track to reach its first destination in Toronto this November. The leisurely pace of progress in developing an effective innovation strategy is dictated in part by the need to consult widely with all relevant players. And it’s exacerbated by the politically charged atmosphere in which it’s taking place.

The federal government is sensitive to the need to get the strategy right and be acceptable to as many groups as possible. That includes the provinces which also have a large role to play. But the amount of time required to complete a process as massive and complex as an innovation strategy means that urgent needs in specific areas must wait.

The fuel cell industry is a case in point. It’s been lobbying Ottawa for years to provide funding to help foster a vibrant domestic industry. With the exception of the National Research Council’s new fuel cell institute, the response has been tepid. In the meantime, competing nations are forging ahead and gaining ground on Canada’s leadership position.

Other sectors are in the same predicament, compelled to put strategic plans on hold and remain in full lobbying mode while Ottawa picks up more passengers for the long ride to the finish line.

Not much is known about what lies beyond November’s national summit, but hopefully it will include a package of initiatives that will accelerate Canada’s drive to be a top ranked innovative nation. Canada’s innovators require a coherent framework but they also need the ability to move quickly.