Thank you for that kind introduction. Good afternoon to you all. It is a pleasure to be here at this timely and valuable forum. I would like to extend a special thanks to the conference organizers from the European Parliament.
I want to speak today about the prospects for Canada and other countries, particularly those in the European Union (EU), as they advance their mutual interests in science, technology and innovation. We can all be confident about what lies ahead.
Our topic today is collaboration. Canada is well-known for its role in international partnerships. In science and technology, we have a rich history of helping to advance knowledge. I am very excited that our celebrated astronaut, Chris Hadfield, is aboard the International Space Station—a prime example of nations working together. And Canadians are indeed proud that later this month, he will oversee operations as the station's first Canadian commander.
Last year, Canadians played a key part in the historic science breakthrough that identified the famous but elusive Higgs boson. Canadians have shared in many international collaborative efforts in recent years.
Last year, I was honoured to host Her Excellency, German chancellor Angela Merkel, in Halifax. We signed a memorandum of understanding on marine research between our two countries.
In 2011, I went to Berlin to promote German–Canadian business and research partnerships. The year before, I was in London to meet with science and technology representatives from the Government of the United Kingdom.
With the EU in particular, Canada's relationship has matured and benefited from a Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement, which formally captures each country's interest in facilitating scientific cooperation.
Canada and the EU have reciprocal access to each other's programs. A Joint Science and Technology Cooperation Committee has been established under the Agreement; it meets regularly to identify partnership activities, suggest international collaboration opportunities and set strategic goals. As Minister of State for Science and Technology, I take special interest in such efforts.
Canada and Europe are natural partners and collaborators, partly because we share common values and priorities. Like Europe, Canada has innovative programs and policies, world-class researchers, and a willingness to address global challenges through science and technology.
Since Prime Minister Stephen Harper launched our country's science and technology strategy in 2007, we have made substantial investments to strengthen Canada's research advantages. These have been geared toward attracting and retaining talent, supporting excellence in science, bringing discoveries and innovation to the marketplace, and building S&T infrastructure.
We have also made significant investments in scientific research at Canada's universities and colleges. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development ranks Canada at the top of the G7 nations in higher-education expenditures on research and development (R&D), expressed as a percentage of GDP.
Those investments have helped make our universities and colleges world-class sources of superior research. Last fall, the Council of Canadian Academies, which conducts science-based expert assessments, offered proof.
The Council released a report showing that Canadian S&T is healthy, growing and recognized around the world for its excellence. The report surveyed the authors of the world's top-cited scientific papers; they ranked Canada's S&T as fourth in the world, behind that of the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany. That is not fourth on a per capita basis or as a proportion of GDP. That is an absolute score.
Clearly, Canada is punching well above its weight in scientific expertise. And our reputation is helping to further strengthen our position.
Canada has become a powerful magnet for high-quality researchers from abroad. Over the past decade, we have seen a net migration of researchers into our country.
There are tremendous opportunities for scientists and entrepreneurs to carry out their work in Canada. We take pride in their achievements, not only as Canadians but also as members of the global community. Scientific advancement knows no borders; it benefits everyone.
But while discovery-driven basic research remains essential to our government's approach, we also believe in the transformative potential of science in the marketplace. In today's modern economy, our quality of life depends on productivity and innovation in the private sector.
I am encouraged that the European Union, like Canada, is working hard to make business innovation a key priority. I understand that Horizon 2020, the next iteration of the EU's Framework Programme for S&T, is in its final stages of approval. It proposes significant support for science, technology and innovation collaboration. We in Canada look forward to its arrival and the possibilities it presents for working together.
Canada too is taking steps to strengthen business R&D and support the commercialization of great ideas.
For example, we are doubling the size of one of our most successful initiatives: the Industrial Research Assistance Program, which supports R&D performed by small and medium-sized companies across the country. We are also pursuing changes at the National Research Council of Canada, which is refocusing on business-oriented research that will help the private sector innovate.
To support innovation through procurement, we have developed a program that connects small and medium-sized companies with federal government departments. This will help them build their capacity to compete in the marketplace. And we are helping high-growth firms access risk capital. Prime Minister Harper recently announced the Venture Capital Action Plan; this provides new support to expand Canada's venture capital markets, working in partnership with the private sector.
At a time when innovation is increasingly dependent on collaboration, we are providing programs that bring the private and public sectors together, creating a supportive climate for start-ups, and attracting and retaining world-class talent.
Today, more than ever, successful innovations come from companies engaged in collaboration, whether with other firms or with knowledge institutions. This is a significant change from the type of innovation that took place 40 or 50 years ago. At that time, technology output generally came from large firms acting on their own. In today's new landscape, it is collaborative engagement that is driving economic success.
Now what about the bigger picture and how we can help each other over the long term?
As a world leader in research and innovation, the EU is responsible for almost one quarter of global expenditures on research. The success of EU research and innovation is due largely to the EU's focus on programs explicitly intended to facilitate international cooperation.
Canada and the EU are both resource-rich economies. Because we recognize each other's systems, we can work well together to address global challenges and increase competitiveness and productivity in our own societies.
In an increasingly networked age, the world is smaller and people make connections more easily. We will continue to build stronger, deeper and more meaningful ties as two of the leading economic forces in the world.
The EU is Canada's second most important partner for trade and investment, and a key partner for innovation.
This promises to be a very important year in the Canada–EU bilateral relationship. We look forward to the conclusion of the negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, which will redefine our economic relationship.
Canada and the EU will need more people with post-graduate degrees in science, engineering and math to meet a greater demand for talent and skills. We must continue working together to increase our academic exchanges, strengthen our many ties and remain focused on addressing the needs of the 21st century.
Governments can establish incentives to foster private sector R&D activities at both domestic and international levels. Canada believes that strong domestic research and technology development will provide the foundation for more effective international cooperation. S&T is a global endeavour. Government efforts must be connected to the global supply of ideas, talent and technologies.
As we move forward, our government will maintain its commitment to science, technology and innovation, while weighing the benefits of investments against return. Canada has a rich history of innovation that has emerged from the collaborative efforts and shared vision of the private and public sectors.
Such collaboration needn't happen simply within our borders. With the right mix of strategic vision, governance, institutions, talent, infrastructure and private sector participation, Canada—and all countries that share our ambitions—will see the benefits of our combined efforts.
There are many opportunities for cooperation between Canada and the EU. I believe we have the wisdom and determination to continue to benefit from them for years to come.
Thank you very much.
