The objectives of the Global Innovation Clusters

With projects such as self-driving, sanitizing robots and the latest technology to keep our oceans safe and healthy, Canada's Global Innovation Clusters are having a big impact.

How the clusters are measuring up

Canada's five clusters are having a significant impact. To date, the clusters have collectively met or exceeded many program targets and goals they set out to achieve.

Here's a peek at what we've achieved so far.

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This is an infographic chart showing the clusters' achievements against targets across five program goals. The first goal was to build connections and support growth. The target was 2 participants per project, and they have achieved 5.0 participants per project. The second goal was to connect small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to larger firms. The target was to have at least 1 SME participating in each project, and they have achieved 2.5 participants per project. The third goal was to increase industry investment in innovation. The target was to secure at least a 1:1.2 ratio with regard to investments from industry and other partners against the federal contribution in projects, and they have achieved a leverage ratio of 1:1.7. The fourth goal was to maximize IP creation. The target was to generate at least 1 IP right per project, and they have generated 6.7 IP rights per project. The final goal was to connect stakeholders. The target was to engage at least 830 members across all five clusters, and they have collectively engaged over 8,600 members.

*IP rights include patent applications, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets generated through cluster technology leadership projects with submitted IP reports.

In addition to the achievements above, clusters are also on track to meet or exceed the overall job creation target of 15,000 direct, indirect and induced jobs created by 2023, and 50,000 by 2028.

But what does clusters' success mean for Canada's businesses and economy?

  • Collaborations that are connecting companies to new customers, global supply chains, mentorship and capacity building.
  • Canadian expertise that is being leveraged to help SMEs adopt technology and mitigate risk.
  • Investments that lead to the commercialization Canadian innovations.
  • Canadian IP that stays in Canada.
  • Jobs that are being created and talent attracted to Canada to fill identified gaps in knowledge-intensive industries.

Longer term, we're measuring our success against the following objectives:

Create world-leading innovation ecosystems

  • Increased investment in innovation and cluster development
  • Activities that address innovation ecosystem gaps or build on existing strengths

Increase collaboration

  • Create new relationships and strengthen collaboration
  • Launch new collaborative projects between private, academic and public sector organizations

Increase competitiveness, productivity and economic growth

  • Cluster firms grow and create jobs
  • Canadian businesses of all sizes are more competitive
  • Increase in GDP contribution from participating firms

Enhance technological capabilities and commercialization

  • Increased private sector investments in technology research, development, demonstration and commercialization
  • New or improved products, services and/or processes are developed and commercialized

 

Access each clusters' annual reports to learn more about their impacts to date.

 

 

Questions?

For any other questions you might have about the program, read our Frequently asked questions page or contact us. We aim to acknowledge receipt in 3 business days, and respond within 7 business days. More about our service standards.

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