Innovation and Networks of Centres of Excellence

On June 13, 2016, the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science launched an independent review of federal funding for fundamental science, to assess the program machinery currently in place to support science and scientists in Canada.

The review has been led by Dr. David Naylor, former President of the University of Toronto, and an independent panel of distinguished research leaders and innovators. The Panel has consulted widely with the research community and solicited input from relevant stakeholders and the general public, representing the diversity of views from across Canada. Its report and recommendations are expected to be made public by the end of the year. For more information on the Fundamental Science Review, click here.

Considering the success of the Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) Program

Any consideration of innovation and research in Canada must take into account the successful track record of the federally funded Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCEs), a program specifically designed to overcome innovation gaps. Canadian Frailty Network worked with other current and former NCEs on a submission to the Fundamental Science Review.

Click here to review this submission representing the collective voice of Canada’s NCE networks (12 current, 32 former) — all of which were created to fast-track the mobilization of research into tangible impacts that benefit Canadian society and its economic development. This is a program that other countries have, in fact, looked to as a model—one specifically designed to overcome innovation gaps.

Quick facts about NCE networks

• Networks have helped train more than 45,000 highly qualified personnel (HQP) and create 147 spin-off companies.
• Since 1989, the federal government has invested approximately $1.8 billion in NCE networks for research, commercialization and knowledge translation. Those investments have leveraged $1.2 billion in contributions from industry and other partners.
• In 2014-15, there were 2,054 partners involved in the networks, including 567 from industry.