SCIENCE AND INNOVATION

Science and innovation are the cornerstone of efforts to make the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector the world leader in food safety, innovation and environmentally responsible production and to support its future success and prosperity. With input from stakeholders, governments have developed a range of proposals to meet these goals and increase sector profitability. Governments will take into account social and ethical considerations when making decisions in the area of science and innovation.

PROPOSED COMMON GOALS

Realigning Public Science Resources

It is proposed that governments work more closely with industry and other institutions to achieve the following goals:

• realign and increase investments to support science and innovation in the priority areas, as well as in biomass, bio-product and bio-process research;
• increase the level of investment in innovation in agricultural and bio-products from non-agricultural sources within Canada and elsewhere;
• expand and strengthen linkages between the agriculture and agri-food sector and the science and innovation community both within Canada and internationally;
• improve technology transfer, coordination, communication and collaboration across market, policy and scientific disciplines, research organizations and throughout the value chain;
• accelerate the development and adoption of innovations in the agriculture and agri-food sector while maintaining an effective science-based and transparent agriculture and agri-food regulatory system;
• ensure that the human resources and infrastructure needed for science and innovation in the agriculture and agri-food sector are available in Canada;
• foster a supportive climate for investment, technology transfer and commercialization in Canada; and
• better utilize intellectual property from publicly-supported research to enhance the growth of the agriculture and agri-food sector.

PROPOSED TARGETS AND INDICATORS

It is proposed that progress in relation to the common goals would be measured by indicators that would include:

• the levels of investment by governments and academic institutions in science and innovation in the APF priority areas and in bio-products, and levels of investment in science and innovation in the APF priority areas and in bio-products from non-agricultural sources;
• the degree of coordination along the whole value chain; and
• the extent of science and innovation activity in agriculture.

PROPOSED IMPLEMENTATION MEASURES

Realigning Public Science Resources

Governments could undertake a benchmark study on the current levels of investment in science and innovation in relation to the priority areas and bio-mass, bio-products and bio-processes.

Governments could devise and implement an action plan that would realign public sector investment in agriculture and agri-food research and science innovation in a manner that is consistent with the goals of the APF.

Governments could communicate the action plan to the various bodies responsible for funding scientific research and will encourage greater collaboration among disciplines so that the APF goals may be promoted in the science and innovation community.

Coordinating Along the Whole Value Chain

Governments could encourage public and private sector institutions to align their science and innovation priorities in a manner consistent with the proposed common goals for science and innovation.

Governments could develop a common information base about selected commodities and the adoption of technology within the value chain. The information would identify the stakeholders in the value chain, including government departments.

Governments could develop a strategy to build stronger links throughout the value chain. The tools to be used in the strategy may include:

• a science/policy/market/innovation summit;
• pilot projects with industry and academic and research institutions;
• web sites;
• research coordination; and
• life cycle cost analysis on bio-products.

Creating an Innovation Climate

Governments could facilitate the adoption of new economic opportunities based on innovative bio-products and knowledge, as well as the development of opportunities in the priority areas, through initiatives such as:

• promoting business climate policies that will encourage access to capital for research, development and innovation;
• promoting the establishment of practices in a manner that will facilitate success by Canadian enterprises in new and premium markets;
• supporting mechanisms and infrastructure, including business-mentoring techniques, centres for innovation, incubators and physical infrastructure; and
• encouraging the establishment and growth of research facilities that attract world class scientists and advance innovation in the agriculture and the agri-food sector.

Governments could assess the human resource and related infrastructure needs of enterprises, institutions and governments necessary to develop science and innovation in the agriculture and agri-food sector.

Governments could undertake consultations as needed with business, government and academic institutions to develop approaches on the management of intellectual property to better serve the agriculture and agri-food sector.

Governments could develop a strategy to increase investment in Canada's agricultural bio-based economy.

• What is the APF?
• Overview: Building a More Profitable Agriculture and Agri-food Sector for Canada
  
• Business Risk Management
  
• Renewal
  
• Food Safety and Food Quality
  
• Environment
  
• Science and Innovation
  
• Gaining Recognition at Home and Abroad and Maximizing International Opportunities