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[Next] [Previous] [Top] The Role of Engineering in Building a National Strategy in Science and Technology in Canada INTRODUCTION
Canada can be righfully proud of its achievements as one of a handful of technologically advanced countries of the world. This mastery of technology has afforded the citizens of Canada with an enviable standard of living and prospects for an even brighter future. Nonetheless, Canada cannot rest on its laurels. The number of countries competing in the S&T arena has increased dramatically over the last 10 years and many are now meeting and surpassing the technological levels of the original industrial powers.The translation of science to practical application is to a large part the domain of the engineer. Canada must improve its ability to translate basic research into products and services to improve our economy. Investments in long-term research by large compagnies and in medium-term research by small and medium sized compagnies must be encouraged. A 1968 report by OECD sums it up well: "Countries which are unable to turn science to practical uses will not be able to finance fundamental research on an up-to-date level, however much they appreciate science for its own sake". It is therefore our view that we should rebuild the historic and increasingly important linkages between industry and engineering and emphasize the application of science.
The Role of Engineering in Building a National Strategy in Science and Technology in Canada - 15 JAN 97[Next] [Previous] [Top]
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