UNESCO SCIENCE REPORT

Canada
host of complex, often poorly understand reasons,
although four key industries display considerable
strength (CCA, 2013b):
n aerospace products and parts manufacturing;
n information and communication technologies (ICTs);
n oil and gas extraction; and
n pharmaceutical drug manufacturing.
The panel’s report found that, whereas R&D activity is
extensive and spread across a wide range of industries,
the relationship between R&D and S&T is asymmetrical.
When examined by geographical location, the panel found
that Canada’s strengths in industrial R&D were clustered
in certain parts of the country. Ontario and Quebec are
dominant in aerospace; the majority of the ICT industry is
found in Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia; oil and gas
are most prevalent in British Columbia and Alberta; and
pharmaceuticals are most often located in Ontario, Quebec
and British Columbia.
The report goes a step further and examines the alignment
of strengths in industrial R&D with strengths in S&T and
economics (Figure 4.4). It points out that, whereas there is
some congruence between these areas, there is a significant
lack of alignment that is not fully understood (CCA, 2013b):
With Canada’s strong post-secondary education system
and a foundation of world-class university research, the
underpinnings for robust investment in industrial R&D
exist. But attempting to connect such scientific strength
and industrial R&D in a direct, linear relationship is
overly simplistic, particularly as the R&D-intensive
industries [count] for a smaller part of the Canadian
economy than of other advanced economies.
Figure 4.4: Canada’s strengths in S&T, industrial R&D and economics
Chapter 4
SCIENCE &
TECHNOLOGY
STRENGTHS
n Clinical medicine
n Historical studies
n Information &
communication
technologies
n Physics & astronomy
n Psychology &
cognitive science
n Visual & performing
arts
STRENGTHS IN
INDUSTRIAL R&D
n Aerospace products &
parts manufacturing
n ICTs
n Oil & gas extraction
n Pharmaceutical &
drug manufacturing
ECONOMIC
STRENGTHS
n Aerospace
n Oil & gas extraction
n Construction
n Forestry
n Financial, insurance &
real estate
n Retail & wholesale
trade
Source: adapted from CCA (2013b)
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