On Friday November 22nd, 2024, ICI Member Bob Walker moderated a panel, The Global Polycrisis: Is Canada Ready? at the Canadian Science and Policy Center (CSPC) Conference 2024 with industry experts, Sue Paish, Charelle Evelyn, Duncan Stewart, and Duncan Retson to tackle the impact of the Global Polycrisis on Canadians.
The result of the discussion centered on three themes:
1. A Clear Result: A re-imagined Canadian STI ecosystem should focus on a single purpose: “to improve the lives of all Canadian citizens”. This single purpose will give us agency for action to both address the impact of the polycrisis on Canadians and to create opportunities for a better Canada today, tomorrow, and for the future.
2. Embrace Collaboration to Manage Collective Risks: Moving from a “me” to “we” culture is crucial for improving teamwork (i.e. shifting from a focus on “individual rights” to a focus on “collective responsibility”). By sharing and collectively managing global risks, we can discover more innovative solutions together.
3. Connect Globally Through Canadian Talent: More than 98% of new knowledge is developed outside Canada. Through Canadian talent, this global knowledge can be transformed into innovations that improve the quality of life of all Canadians.
These insights are our building blocks to a more innovative future in Canada and will guide our efforts in our Canada Innovates Project as we work towards creating a sustainable and secure future for all Canadians!
