Western Economic Diversification Canada
www.wd-deo.gc.ca
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Purpose of Study
The purpose of this study is to review WD’s activities related to innovation and prepare a document that will inform parties, both within and external to WD, of the roles that the Department plays with respect to promoting innovation in Western Canada, illustrate the types of impacts that result, and identify the characteristics of WD which impact on the organization’s ability to effectively fulfill these roles. More specifically, the report is designed to address the following issues:
- Is promoting innovation consistent with WD's mandate of promoting economic development and diversification of Western Canada?
- What are the characteristics of the innovation systems in Western Canada?
- What strategies and roles have been pursued by WD with respect to strengthening these innovation systems?
- What types of impacts have been generated by WD's efforts to strengthen the innovation system?
- What characteristics of WD affects it ability to fulfill these roles?
- What would be the impact if WD were no longer active in promoting innovation in Western Canada?
In reviewing the impacts and effects of WD’s innovation related investments and activities in Western Canada, a particular emphasis has been placed on the period from mid 1999 to the present with decreasing emphasis placed on the period from 1996 to mid 1999 and selected emphasis placed on the period from 1987 to 1995.
It should be noted that this study is not a formal evaluation. Rather, the study is designed to build on the results of recent evaluation studies, particularly evaluations of the Western Economic Partnership Agreements and the Western Diversification Program, and recognizes that future evaluations are planned of other programs including the First Jobs in Science and Technology Program, the International Trade Personnel Program, and the Canada Foundation for Innovation Support Program.
