Industry Committee on May 28th, 2008

[Dr. Robert McCulloch]

Thank you.

That's the challenge we face within our organizations as applications come in. As I've indicated several times, I think what we need to look for is that broad base. Don't narrow the opportunities, but stretch the opportunities so that more people can get access. I think that's what we're tying to do with our institution, give opportunities across the piece, to the NRT folks, the natural resources technology folks who want to look at GPS, right through to the....

In research there are some really sexy things that are easy to direct funds to, but it's all about giving opportunities and letting people experiment. I worry that sometimes our policies tend to narrow rather than broaden opportunities.

[The Chair, Conservative, James Rajotte]

Thank you.

Mr. Florizone.

[Richard Florizone]

I don't know if it's any consolation, but you're not alone. Every country is struggling with this. I know, from the time I spend in the U.S. or the U.K., people there are also struggling with what the secret is. How do you deliver innovation? It's a tough question, and maybe it's not that different in some ways from being a venture capitalist. You sort of have to pick your sectors, where you're going to focus, and your teams. Don't be afraid to innovate with innovation. Experiment with it, tying it close to home for us.

These are some of the things we're trying to do at CLS and InterVac. We've set ourselves goals that are far beyond what others have achieved, but we think they're achievable. We've assembled a team and have a bit of a track record. We're asking government, “Tell us what you think. Does this achieve your goals and help us move forward?”

[The Chair, Conservative, James Rajotte]

Mr. Gill.

[Doug Gill]

I mentioned earlier separating the wheat from the chaff, and I think that's the nub of your question. How do you identify, way back when, that this has tremendous potential? Basic research--it's not often apparent.

I think one of the ingredients is having really skilful, well-trained, technology transfer professionals in the university who rub elbows with those researchers. I have people in offices in the colleges, maybe down the hall from professors' labs, who get to know the professors on a personal basis. They work with professors by talking with them about their research, and they have helicopter vision so they understand. They often come from an industry background, but they also have a science and academic background. These people help work with those like Ray Rajotte to identify what that wonderful potential might be five, 10, or 15 years down the road. I think that's a key ingredient.

I'll put in a plug for WestLink Innovations in Calgary, because they're doing a great job of training technology transfer professionals.

[The Chair, Conservative, James Rajotte]

Thank you.

I want to thank all of you for your time here today, for your presentations, and for responding to all of our questions. If you have anything further that you'd like to submit to the committee, please do so. I'll ensure that all members get it.

We've certainly enjoyed the discussions here, so thank you very much for being with us.

Members, on a logistical note, we have to meet at 5:45 in the main lobby to depart on the bus, so be ready for that. Some of you may have time to get a smoke or something, I don't know...or a rum, yes....

[Voices]

Oh, oh!

[The Chair, Conservative, James Rajotte]

Thank you very much for your time. We sincerely appreciate it.

The meeting is adjourned.