If one takes the narrow view that a dollar invested has to produce a dollar in patentable IP or commercializable products, I don't think that's going to work. The overall question is, is our investment in fundamental science paying off in broad terms with respect to creating economic activity in a huge economy that is many times that investment? That's only a tiny portion of the total GDP of Canada. From my perspective, as president of SSHRC, I look at whether it is the kind of society that enables and enlightens citizenry who can participate in the further development of prosperity in the country and in the elimination or treatment of some of the serious ills that affect other countries.
It's a broader question and very difficult to measure in terms of what those investments return. Sometimes I say that if you want to know what those investments return, stop funding it. I'm not suggesting that, but look at other countries where those investment aren't made and ask yourself if you want to live there.