Supporting R&D for a stronger economy

Universities Canada’s recommendation for Budget 2025

Research and development (R&D) is key to a country’s success. It drives economic growth, supports industries and keeps us competitive globally. Universities are huge drivers of R&D in Canada but require more support to ramp up and keep up the pace.

What’s the issue?

Canada has a productivity problem. We’re not keeping up with other countries and our economy is falling behind as a result. Universities, as key producers of R&D, want to collaborate more with small- and medium-sized businesses to get our tech and products out to the public. To stay competitive and support our businesses and communities, we need to invest more in Canada’s R&D.

Why is it important?

Canada’s universities are already leaders in turning research into real-world solutions. They produce 35% of the country’s research and development, which leads to revolutionary technologies and products, such as life-saving medicines and tech to help us more efficiently farm and feed Canada. Support is needed to turn more research into products for the public (commercialization) and to use it to shape public policy and improve services (knowledge mobilization).

With additional support for our commercialization and knowledge mobilization activities, universities can collaborate more with businesses to get those great innovations out to Canadians faster. This’ll boost Canada’s economy, adding wealth regionally and nationally and help solve the productivity problem.

Our recommendations

To help universities maximize their impact, we recommend more support for research commercialization and knowledge mobilization in Budget 2025. Let’s fund initiatives that help move research from the lab to the marketplace and from ideas to practical solutions. With more support, universities can work more closely with businesses to drive innovation, boost the economy and address our productivity problem.

What is the pre-budget submission?

Every year, as the Government of Canada looks to set its budget, Universities Canada provides information on the biggest issues facing universities and solutions to help universities and Canadians thrive. Read more of our recommendations to government in our pre-budget submission.