Burnaby, BC The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) supports the recommendations of the Review of Federal Support to Research and Development panel and welcomes the central role Canadian colleges and polytechnic institutes will take in the proposed approach to research, development, and innovation.
The six-member panel’s recommendations are aimed at cultivating innovation and fostering a thriving business development environment.
BCIT is encouraged by the recommendations that, if implemented, will harness the on-going efforts of faculty and students in colleges, polytechnics, and institutes to bring innovation to the commercial marketplace.
Changes that would positively impact colleges include:
- The creation of an Industrial Research and Innovation Council (IRIC) with a clear and sharply focused mission of supporting business innovation.
- The development of a federal business innovation talent strategy focusing on increasing small and medium-sized businesses’ access to highly educated and skilled personnel including college and polytechnic graduates.
- The creation of a national commercialization voucher program helping businesses connect with approved providers of commercialization services in post-secondary, government, non-profit and private organizations.
- The establishment of a national “concierge” service and associated comprehensive web portal providing companies with high-quality, timely advice for accessing the most appropriate business innovation assistance programs for the individual firm.
- An increase in the Industrial Research Assistance Program’s budget enabling it to build on its proven track record of facilitating innovation by small and medium sized businesses throughout Canada.
“BCIT and other Canadian institutes have an significant role in the applied research, development and commercialization processes, and these recommendations by the panel, if adopted, would help businesses connect with the innovative expertise and knowledge of our students and graduates,” said Don Wright, president of BCIT.
As a member of Polytechnics Canada, BCIT participates in applied research projects that deliver solutions for business.
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For further information, please contact:
Dave Pinton Media Relations Acting Manager
British Columbia Institute of Technology
Tel: 604.432.8306
Cell: 778.928.2288
dave_pinton@bcit.ca
