AUCC supports Science, Technology and Innovation Council’s call for Canada to aim higher

Ottawa May 5, 2009 — The Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada welcomes the report on the health of science, technology and innovation in Canada released today by the Science, Technology and Innovation Council.

“The STIC report is an important benchmarking effort,” says Claire Morris, President and CEO of AUCC. “Canadian university leaders strongly endorse the council’s emphasis on the need for greater collaboration between universities, colleges, governments, business and non-profit organizations to advance the research and innovation successes of the nation.”

The Canada’s Science, Technology and Innovation System: State of the Nation 2008 provides a portrait of the status of science and innovation in Canada and concludes that Canada is a solid mid-level performer and must keep working to improve its global performance and reputation. The report identifies areas of vulnerability and notes while Canadian universities and researchers are conducting cutting-edge research they lack international visibility and recognition for their achievements. The report offers several suggestions for collective action including renewing efforts to attract and educate highly skilled people and pursuing strategic partnerships in science, technology and innovation to advance Canadian interests.

The report echoes the analysis in AUCC’s recent publication Momentum, the 2008 report on university research and knowledge mobilization, published in October 2008, which emphasized the importance of improving our ability to collaborate nationally and internationally.

“Given how important research and development and innovation are to Canada’s social and economic well-being, as well as its standing in the world, AUCC will continue to work with all sectors to ensure that we become a leading R&D nation,” says Ms. Morris.

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AUCC is the national voice for Canada’s universities. It represents 94 Canadian public and private not-for-profit universities and university-degree level colleges.

For further comment, please contact:

Leslie Cole
Assistant Director of Communications
Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada