Vice-President Research & Innovation Robert Haché is launching a series of topical commentaries on areas of interest to the York research community.

"We are seeking to provide perspective and commentary on issues and initiatives in our external environment that are relevant to our researchers," says Haché. "It's important to highlight and create awareness about new opportunities and proposed policy and procedural changes that may affect the University research community."

Right: Robert Haché

First in this series is a review of the Federal Expert Panel Report on Research & Development (R&D), a report on federal support released in October 2011. The report, commissioned by a federally appointed expert panel chaired by Michael Jenkins, executive chair and chief strategy officer of Open Text Corporation, reviewed national programs that support business innovation in Canada.

The panel was comprised of a distinguished cadre of business and academic experts. It proposes a number of fundamental changes to the way that government supports business-facing research and development. If adopted, the recommendations are expected to present expanded opportunities for York researchers with respect to research funding and some new challenges. 

Highlights of recommendations in the report include:

• Development of a new granting council, called the Industrial Research Innovation Council (IRIC), to support funding and delivery of business-facing R&D programs. This council would provide a common service platform for a reduced number of larger, more flexible support programs, including the National Research Council's (NRC) Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP).
• Changing the model under which the National Research Council operates into a grouping of large-scale, sectoral collaborative R&D centres involving business, the university sector and the provinces.
• Assigning responsibility and accountability to a single designated minister of innovation to build consensus and innovation partnerships with the provinces and territories.

To view the full commentary, click here.

Republished courtesy of YFile– York University’s daily e-bulletin.