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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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Media contacts:

Elizabeth Matthews
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
709- 729-3960
elizabethmatthews@gov.nl.ca 
Roger Scaplen
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
709-729-4304, 727-0991
rogerscaplen@gov.nl.ca  
Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
709-729-4570, 690-6290
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca   
Libby Carew
Director of Marketing
Research & Development Corporation
709-758-0973, 728-6852
libbycarew@researchnl.com

2009 05 13                                                    10:45 a.m.
 


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