Executive Council
Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
May 13, 2009
Province Launches Research &
Development Corporation (RDC) to Help Position
Province for Prosperity through R&D
The launch of the Research & Development Corporation (RDC),
a new Crown entity for improving the province�s research and development
capacity, was announced today by the Honourable Danny Williams, Premier
of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Premier was joined by the Honourable
Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, and
Glenn Janes, Chief Executive Officer of the Research & Development
Corporation.
"Our government is of the belief that in order to stay
competitive today, you must continue to invest in tomorrow," said
Premier Williams. "It is indisputable that R&D drives successful, high
performing and prosperous societies and during this time of economic
uncertainty the need for increased R&D has never been more evident. The
Research & Development Corporation will play a leadership role in
identifying R&D initiatives that are relevant to our province and that
position us for prosperity in the decades ahead. Our government has long
recognized the need for greater emphasis on R&D activity in Newfoundland
and Labrador and today�s announcement marks an important step toward
addressing that need."
The Newfoundland and Labrador Research and
Development Council Act was passed by the House of Assembly in
December, 2008. The mandate of the RDC is to strengthen the focus,
quantity, quality and relevance of research and development undertaken
in the province and elsewhere for the long-term economic benefit of the
province.
"R&D is a key building block of a strong, diversified
economy," said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation,
Trade and Rural Development. "Through the RDC, Newfoundland and
Labrador will be better positioned to leverage the strengths of the
province�s widely-acclaimed research institutions and private sector
enterprises and build the necessary capacity to expand the provincial
economy."
The Research & Development Corporation will operate at
arm�s length from government but with responsibility for providing
advice and leadership within government. The RDC will work with, and
encourage collaboration among R&D stakeholders including industry,
academia and government agencies and departments.
"The Research & Development Corporation will continue
to build R&D capacity in our academic institutions and research
facilities through the Industrial Research and Innovation Fund (IRIF),"
said Glenn Janes, Chief Executive Officer of the RDC. "We are also
introducing new programs to foster R&D growth within industry."
Through Budget 2009 the Research & Development
Corporation was allocated $25 million. In addition to the $10 million
for IRIF, the RDC recognizes the need to focus resources on building R&D
capacity in the private sector.
The following are the first new R&D funding programs
the RDC is introducing for industry:
R&D Vouchers
Offers R&D vouchers of up to $15,000 for small-
and medium-sized enterprises to improve access to local, national
and international expertise and research facilities, and to assist
with establishing collaborative relationships with academic
researchers, research facilities and other R&D performers.
R&D Proof of Concept
Targets early stage R&D where increased research
and development is required to realize the commercial potential of
innovative products, processes or services. The focus is on
industry-led R&D projects that are pre-commercial, R&D activities
that result in proof of concept, and opportunities that have a clear
sight to market.
Over the next 12 months, the RDC will develop further
research initiatives targeted at priority sectors. The delivery of
ongoing targeted research programs will demonstrate a long-term
commitment to priority areas relevant to Newfoundland and Labrador such
as ocean technology and energy.
For more information about the RDC, please visit the
website at www.researchnl.com.
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