Industrial Technologies Office
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R&D in Canada
Innovation is vital to improve productivity in today's knowledge-based economy. Vigorous competition, rapidly evolving technology, and the ease with which investment and knowledge move around the world make it essential for Canadian companies to be innovative.
Are you looking for a snapshot of the SADI application process? Then consult the SADI application process flow chart – a one page diagram that details all of the steps involved in applying for SADI contributions. The flow chart is interactive – just click on any box to learn more about the specific step involved.
SADI - Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative
Canada's aerospace, defence, space and security (A&D) industries are major contributors to the national economy. In 2005, the aerospace sector alone had sales of $21.8 billion and employed 75 000 Canadians across the country.
A&D industries are also knowledge-intensive, a boon in today's global knowledge economy. They are Canada's third largest investor in research and development (R&D), accounting for 11 percent of all industrial R&D. Through R&D, A&D industries develop technological breakthroughs such as robotics and new lightweight materials, and remain important first users of enabling technologies- new technologies, like nanotechnology and advanced manufacturing.
By providing repayable contributions to A&D companies, the government helps to ensure that Canadian A&D companies undertake strategic R&D and that Canadians will benefit from these investments.
Supporting R&D in these industries also means Canada can encourage leading international A&D companies to do business here, retaining and increasing foreign investment. At the same time, Canada becomes very attractive to top scientific and engineering talent in cutting-edge A&D industries.
Globally, Canadian A&D companies dominate several markets, including:
- simulators (80 percent)
- landing gears (60 percent)
- aircraft environmental systems (60 percent).
Helping to fund strategic R&D projects of A&D companies ensures that additional private sector R&D funds are leveraged. Currently, Canadian private sector investment in R&D lags behind that of other OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries.
All Canadians benefit from R&D
The Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative (SADI) will benefit Canadians in numerous ways.
Technologically, we'll see new materials, new information technologies and other innovations evolve. Regional diversification and economic development will energize an already healthy economy. Reduced greenhouse gas emissions and other new energy efficiencies will greatly help the environment, and safety, security and defence measures will be improved. This will all help to enhance the quality of life for Canadians, and provide value for money.
These benefits will be measured during the life of the project, and once SADI contributions end.
Benefits will vary, depending on each of the projects approved under SADI. However, individual Canadians and companies stand to inherit new skills, knowledge and capabilities. New or improved technologies are also likely to come to the fore, benefiting suppliers who have participated in the project. See what SADI has to offer in the Program Overview section.
