Innovation

Fast Facts

CICan members host over 400 specialized research centres and labs
They have partnerships with almost 7,000 companies and community organizations to conduct applied research projects
Almost 3,000 college and institute faculty and staff are engaged in applied research
Over 25,000 students are engaged in applied research projects
Up to 80% of colleges and institutes support student entrepreneurship
13,500 students received support from their college or institute to pursue an entrepreneurial idea

Colleges and institutes right across the country play a lead role in strengthening Canada’s capacity to innovate by undertaking applied research that leverages their strong industry and community connections. They work with partners, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, in all sectors to refine or adapt products, services, technologies, and processes. By providing partners with access to the required talent and state of the art facilities to drive innovation, they help generate both economic and social gain.

Highlights from our 2015- 2016 CICan Applied Research Survey

Applied Research Capacity

Examples of Areas of Research and Development in Social Innovation

Communications and Media
Design, Visual and Performing Arts
Disadvantaged Populations (e.g. Indigenous peoples, immigrants, persons with disabilities)
Education and Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
Environmental Awareness and Planning
Industrial Relations
Justice
Management, Business and Financial Services
Public Safety
Social Services

Learn more

Professional and Student Capacity

How do Colleges and Institutes Support Faculty in Applied Research?

Assistance with proposal development and writing
Point of contact for funders and partners
Identification of potential partnerships
Awareness building activities
Networking and contact identification

Learn more

Entrepreneurial Capacity

Did you know? Colleges and Institutes have:

Applied research chairs in new venture and entrepreneurship
New venture support specialists
Diploma programs in entrepreneurship
Hackathons/idea jams

Learn more

To learn more about partnerships, research results, applied research funding, and more download:

May 9, 2017

Inclusive Innovation at Colleges and Institutes : Highlights from the 2015-2016 CICan Applied Research Survey

Canada’s colleges and institutes, together with their public and private sector partners, foster innovation in all sectors of the economy: from building and construction technology to healthcare and...

Download