Editorial - 18-17

Commercialization in Canada appears to be on the move. After months — some would argue years — of silence and indecision, this country’s two largest government bureaucracies are firming up programs and policy directives to strengthen and enhance the connections and synergies between the sources of innovation and the marketplace.

The advisory committee charged with designing Industry Canada’s two commercialization pilot projects have met. Materials are being prepared to go to Treasury Board and seek Cabinet approval. In Ontario, consultations for a major new research and commercialization strategy are nearly complete (see page 5). And just last week, both levels of government joined forces to provide an incentive package for Ford Motor Co, triggering a $1-billion investment (see page 4).

Many other key players and jurisdictions are also focusing their efforts on the same objectives. These developments are encouraging, but will they be enough? And are the decisions being made the right ones to achieve the desired results?

Canada is a small nation with limited resources. Despite Ottawa’s success in balancing its books and generating budget surpluses, our ability to grow innovative firms and commercialize promising ideas faces imposing challenges. The imperative for “getting it right” has never been more acute. The need for all sectors to work collaboratively both in planning and execution has never been greater.

The next few months are critical in determining the optimum strategy for moving forward. We have the talent but do we have the political will?