A recent Globe and Mail article by Ricardo Arena (Polytechnics Canada) discusses how postsecondary institutions can help improve Canada’s weak productivity performance. Arena writes that applied research developed by polytechnics and colleges removes financial barriers for small- and medium-sized companies looking to test new technologies and explore business ideas. Partnerships between businesses and polytechnics benefit business partners with productivity gains while providing institutions with new insights and providing students with real-world experiences. Arena notes that though research conducted at polytechnics in Canada has a high rate of return, it is chronically underfunded. “Investing in applied research and supporting businesses looking to grow is a critical strategy for kickstarting innovation in Canada, renewing our competitiveness on the world stage and addressing the economic inertia that has been holding us back,” concludes Arena.
