History

Steps Toward a Stronger Innovation System

Alberta Innovates was formed to make it easier for researchers and innovators to work together. That’s why 10 provincially funded research and innovation organizations were realigned into five more strategically focused organizations.

Alberta Innovates enables the outstanding people within Alberta’s former research and innovation organizations to work more closely together to achieve even greater results than they ever could before. Through Alberta Innovates, the groundwork has been laid to take our province into new areas of opportunity and economic diversity as we search for solutions to some of society’s greatest challenges, like climate change, water conservation and health research challenges.

Overview

In a global economy where knowledge has become the new wealth, Alberta has taken control of its future and transformed its priorities. Under the leadership of Premier Ed Stelmach, Alberta’s traditional strengths are being leveraged to create the Next Generation Economy...one that is more diverse and more anchored by knowledge-based industries.

Premier Stelmach's vision for Alberta embraces new ideas and technology as the keys to our province's continued economic vitality. Innovation will be front and centre in Alberta's Next Generation Economy.

Mandated by the Premier

As part of Ministry of Advanced Education and Technology's mandate outlined by the Premier, one of the priorities for the ministry is to develop and implement a framework that defines roles and mandates for provincially funded organizations that support world-class research and innovation in Alberta.

Alberta's research and innovation system is complex and we must ensure a successful transition from the old system to the new framework. This work is even more important now than ever. During these uncertain economic times, Alberta needs to make smart moves that will help the province we stay on target for the long term.

Developed with stakeholders

The Research and Innovation Roles and Mandates Framework for the provincially funded organizations that support world-class research and innovation in Alberta was developed in consultation with Alberta's innovation leaders and provincially funded institutions. It serves as a foundation for the future of Alberta's innovation system.

Stakeholders collectively recognized that Alberta has a great opportunity to increase the effectiveness of its research and innovation system.

The Alberta government is meeting the need for a more aligned system that would ensure the focused growth of Alberta's whole research and innovation system.

This new framework will improve Alberta's research and innovation system by making it:

• less complex,
• more focused on our strategic priorities,
• more consolidated,
• with less overlap and stronger links between the players.

In our new framework, government determines priorities...informed by societal needs and market opportunities.

This framework will merge the functions of 10 entities into 1 advisory body and 4 new, board-governed corporations to facilitate strategic research and innovation, as well as industry development initiatives to support our government's priorities.

Benefits to Albertans

The changes proposed will give us a system that is consolidated and clarified, focused on priorities...and is also accountable and responsive enough to deliver on Alberta's strategic priorities of bio-industries, energy and the environment, health and commercial development.

This focus on priorities will allow us to:

• better address social needs,
• add value to our resources,
• grow our knowledge-based economy, and
• be a serious global player.

Additional Information