Why I-CAN was created

The intention of I-CAN is to create a critical mass of market-focused research within Canada, comparable to SRI and Battelle in the US, TNO in Holland, Fraunhofer in Germany, ITRI in Taiwan or TEKES in Finland. These organizations have provided their jurisdictions with great economic advantages.

Every successful innovation economy in the world has intermediary organizations filling the gap between early stage R&D and commercialization, doing contract work, assisting small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) with their R&D and technology needs, and performing research that supports the public interest.

Research dating back to the late 1930’s shows that invention on its own doesn’t generate prosperity and industry growth. Innovative, market-oriented research and development must bridge the gap between simple invention, and the market deployment that creates jobs and builds an economy.

I-CAN members fill that gap in most industry sectors within Canada. By banding together, the members further strengthen their ability to draw upon the nation’s best inventions and convert them into marketable solutions.

Read a report on Canada's Innovation system HERE.