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© Universities Canada 2025

Priorities

Boost Canada’s economy

Support research that creates jobs and drives growth

Two students wearing protective gear in a laboratory looking at a pitri dish

To grow Canada’s economy and create more jobs, we need strong universities that turn new ideas into real solutions for businesses and communities. Here’s how we can make that happen:

  • Support research in key areas like technology, clean energy and healthcare to help businesses grow and stay competitive.
  • Make sure Canadian inventions and ideas stay in Canada by helping universities and companies work together to develop new products and industries.

Supporting research and innovation means more jobs, stronger businesses and a better future for everyone.

By the numbers

  • $17B

    in R&D

    Universities performed $17 billion in research and development in 2023, accounting for 35 percent of total Canadian research and development.

  • 272

    patents in 2022

    University research institutes issued over 272 patents in 2022 alone.

  • 875

    startups founded

    875 startup companies dedicated to commercializing technologies developed at Canadian universities and research institutions.

  • $1.1B

    in research for business

    Canada’s universities conduct $1.1 billion in research for businesses and help build their competitive advantage.

  • $1.7B

    in research for not-for-profit sector

    Universities conduct $1.7 billion in research annually for the not-for-profit sector, which has more than tripled since 2000.

  • 35%

    of R&D by universities

    35% of Canada’s research and development is conducted by universities.

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