UNB Unveils ‘Innovation Map’ That Highlights Low Levels Of R&D Spending
FREDERICTON – A new initiative out of the University of New Brunswick plans to map a more clear path to a prosperous future for the province.
The university unveiled the New Brunswick Innovation and Ecosystem Map on Tuesday, which highlights the drivers of innovation in New Brunswick, and how it compares to the rest of the country. The Innovation Map was completed by Ottawa-based Global Advantage Consulting Group and was commissioned by UNB, with support from Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) Canada.
“As New Brunswick’s only national comprehensive research university, we have a special role in making New Brunswick globally competitive and creating economic opportunities,” said Paul Mazerolle, UNB’s president and vice-chancellor, in a release.
“UNB excels in mobilizing knowledge and launching new sectors within our communities, such as smart grid and cybersecurity. The map shows us the importance of working together to ensure we’re making investments that count. We need to focus on areas of high potential and work together to attract more companies and talent.”
According to the map, New Brunswick’s share in the Canadian economy is declining. The province’s share of Canada’s real GDP has decreased by about $1-billion from 2013 to 2017.
“The map shows that UNB is the research and development engine in New Brunswick,” said UNB’s Vice-President of research David MaGee. “There is a significant innovation gap our province is experiencing. The percentage of government and private R&D investments is remarkably lower here when compared to the rest of Canada.”
MaGee says by mapping New Brunswick’s innovation ecosystem, they’re able to see where and how R&D takes place, enabling us to collaborate more efficiently and effectively in using the assets and resources available.
Tuesday’s event and panel discussion was hosted by the University of New Brunswick and took place at Planet Hatch.