1. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Innovation as Instruments for Enhancing Competitiveness Organization of American States Meeting of Ministers and High Authorities for Science October 2008

2. Canadian R&D Overview In 2006, total expenditures on research and development in Canada reached $28.4 billion. Total Canadian federal S&T expenditures in 2006 were $8.2 billion of which 63% was for research and development.

3. Canada ’ s Science and Technology Strategy New Technologies for Canada ’ s S&T Priorities: energy environment health and safety information and communications technology Entrepreneurial Advantage: Translate knowledge into commercial applications Knowledge Advantage: Generate health, environmental, societal and economic benefits People Advantage: Create highly educated and flexible workforce Three distinct Canadian Science and Technology Advantages

4. IRAP NRC Institutes Science Based Dept. and Agencies Environment / Health Defence Research / Fisheries / Agrifood Natural Resources / Space Agency Transport UNIVERSITIES in Canada’s Provinces INDUSTRY across Canada SMEs in multi sectors Sector -specific companies Technology Clusters COLLABORATIONS DEVELOPMENT Canadian Government S & T Structure COLLABORATIONS ASSISTANCE Dept. of Industry Granting Councils Natural Sciences and Engineering Canada Foundation for Innovation FUNDING

5. NRC: A National Institution Staff: Approx. 4,300 employees; 1,500 visiting / guest workers Expenditures 2006-2007: $ 847.7 M Revenues 2006-2007: $170.2 M NRC’s portfolio: Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Engineering, Technology and Industry Support. Canada’s National Science Library, Canada’s National Institute for Measurement Standards

6. NRC Research, Core Competencies and Collaborations for Enhancing Competitiveness Providing integrated solutions through convergence with industry, communities and Canadians. Precision manufacturing Information and communications technologies Biotechnology Molecular sciences and nanotechnology Aerospace, construction Ocean engineering Nanotechnology Metrology and measurement science

7. Canada’s National Metrology Institute Innovation and productivity relies on a three-tiered metrology value proposition research and development of new measurement techniques dissemination of standards through instrument calibrations and certified reference materials creation and improvement of documentary standards to support manufacturability, interoperability, and regulatory frameworks In emerging areas, such as nanotechnologies, effort must be coordinated to ensure safe and effective technology development from fundamental science Canada’s National Metrology institute is housed at NRC

8. Science Drives Productivity There is a national role to help enhance regional prosperity by managing the transition from basic science to technology, taking ideas from the laboratory to the marketplace Science Technology Laboratory Marketplace Enhance Regional Competitiveness

9. Creating Opportunity Nations can work together in emerging areas such as Nanotechnology, Biotechnology and Green Envirotechnology to build a level playing field for regional prosperity How can the OAS help position the region to enhance competitiveness in the new economy?