The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) has launched its new five-year Applied Research Strategic Plan with a refreshed vision, analysis and strategic commitments.
Applied research is core to what makes the British Columbia Institute of Technology so unique and it is central to our mandate. While we may refer to it in a variety of terms—such as experiential learning, work-integrated learning (WIL), capstone, directed studies, or industry-sponsored student projects—applied research gives students the opportunity to work on real life problems, as they will in industry. Applied research is also a key conduit for assisting companies and communities to innovate for a better economy.
This Plan emerged from thorough community consultation. It sets the direction and encourages future initiatives that will keep BCIT current and at the forefront of an ever-evolving educational and economic landscape.
“If BCIT is to remain relevant to emerging industry and educational needs, research must play an essential role. BCIT’s excellence in applied research, applied problem-solving, and applied education is well-known and we are building on a solid 30-year foundation. Through this plan we pursue our vision of being one of the world’s most recognized polytechnic institutes.” – Dr. Kim Dotto, Dean Applied Research and Centre for Applied Research and Innovation.
In this document we reaffirm BCIT’s commitment to applied research and ensure that it is aligned with the BCIT Strategic and Education Plans. Our Institute-wide commitments—being a people-focused organization, future-proofing applied education, and making globally relevant connections—provide direction for the future of research at BCIT.
BCIT will be bringing the Applied Research Strategic Plan to life by focusing its efforts on five strategic commitments over the coming years: investing in people, research and education, graduate studies, research centres and infrastructure and new opportunities.
The plan was announced to the community by Dr. Kim Dotto, Dean Applied Research and Centre for Applied Research and Innovation on Thursday, June 24. A strategic implementation team is being formed to operationalize the plan and to support organizational accountability.