ACCC Highlights Innovations And Applied Research Outcomes In Two Reports
April 19th, 2013
The Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC) released two reports that showcase the impressive innovations and applied research outcomes that colleges are delivering in partnership with small and medium-sized enterprises and community partners.
Smart Investments for Business, supported by the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) in collaboration with the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) and the Canadian Institutes of health Research (CIHR), highlights projects of the College and Community Innovation (CCI) program.
“Today, more than ever, successful innovations come from companies involved in partnership arrangements, whether with other firms or with knowledge institutions,” said the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology). “Partnerships make Canada more productive. They encourage the development and adoption of innovative processes and technologies.”
Government actions to stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship have allowed colleges, institutes and polytechnics to contribute to economic growth and employment opportunities across Canada. Colleges partner with businesses in all sectors of the economy, including natural resources and energy, agriculture and agri-food, manufacturing, construction, health care, aerospace, communications and information technology, among others.
“CCI enables businesses, especially SMEs, to benefit from access to resources to help them innovate and compete,” said Janet Walden, Acting President, NSERC.
ACCC’s Stimulating Innovation for Small Businesses and Communities is its fourth showcase that illustrates and celebrates applied research partnerships that respond to business needs. Federal support is channeled through CCI, the Canada Foundation for Innovation College-Industry Innovation Fund, the National Research Council’s Digital Technology Pilot Program, and the regional economic development agencies. Contributions from the private sector and provincial and territorial governments are also significant.
“We appreciate our partners’ recognition and support of the contribution of colleges to Canada’s innovation ecosystem,” said James Knight, President and CEO, ACCC.
ACCC is the national and international voice of Canada’s publicly funded colleges, institutes and polytechnics, serving 1.5 million learners of all ages and from all socio-economic quarters at campuses in 1,000 urban, rural and remote communities.