Canadian science policy: The role of the universities

Abstract

The universities are at the core of Canadian science policy, both at the federal and provincial levels. These institutions of higher education and learning are also key to Canada's participation in the international “Republic of Science.” 1 They provide the give-and-take of access to the ever-growing body of knowledge embraced within the term “science and technology.” The history of science policy evolution in Canada and elsewhere reveals that its strength derives from a long national and international tradition of protected development of the university provided by its beneficiaries, whether private or state. It is therefore the challenge of those who shape and implement science policy, to ensure that the university component of the government-university-industry aggregate is nurtured and empowered for its very important role in the immediate and more distant future of Canadian economic development. “At the edge of the 21st century, the importance of science and technology has become increasingly clear. Private industry has learned that the effective application of S&T means greater efficiency and higher profits. Governments have realized that without science and technology, a nation cannot compete in what has become a global marketplace. And society has discovered that our future prosperity and standard of living will depend on how well we use and adapt S&T to meet our national needs.” 2 “La science et surtout la technologie ne sont donc plus seulement le lieu de regroupement de disciplines scolaires…; on leur associe… les images de levier industriel, de moteurs d'innovation… la technologie en tant que telle est considérée comme un objet commercial, une marchandise dont on peut négocier le prix, dont on essaie de prévoir les “retombées financières.” 3