Canada and Chile commit to strengthening the global knowledge economy

MOU seeks to enhance innovation councils' ability to deliver S&T advice to government

SANTIAGO, Chile, Dec. 1, 2014 /CNW/ - Two national innovation councils—the Government of Canada's Science, Technology, and Innovation Council (STIC), and Chile's National Innovation Council for Competitiveness (el Consejo Nacional de Innovación para la Competitividad —CNIC)—together with Canada's International Development Research Centre (IDRC), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in the presence of Chilean President, Michelle Bachelet, and Canada's Governor General, His Excellency, the Right Honourable David Johnston.

The MOU seeks to strengthen the ability of national innovation councils to develop best practices in providing science, technology, and innovation (STI) advice to governments, with impacts to society as a whole. It also addresses benchmarking the performance of nations using a range of key indicators to inform decision-makers and others about the country's assets and deficiencies, and make recommendations that can serve as springboards to build even more successful societies.

Specifically, the MOU parties will work to:

• increase the ability of innovation councils to work with government to provide advice in setting priorities, among other issues;
• increaseincrease collaboration between governments, the private sector, and research and educational centres on STI matters;
• work to identify best practices so as to strengthen existing innovation councils across the globe, as well as to assist countries in launching their own councils.

"Science and technology are the building blocks of economic and social development," says IDRC President, Jean Lebel. "IDRC is proud to be a signatory to this MOU which brings innovation and international collaboration together for global benefit."

Howard Alper, Chair of Canada's STIC states that, "we are excited by the prospect of working in collaboration with CNIC and IDRC, to engage in comparative work in advice to governments and benchmarking so as to position our nations advantageously for the future. We will also convene the first-ever global meeting of advisory councils."

"CNIC aims to promote innovation and development to benefit all of our citizens", says Gonzalo Rivas, President of the Chilean innovation council. "We are proud to be part of a global network of institutions dedicated to fostering innovation and strategic capabilities to promote economic growth and sustainable development through this initiative."

The MOU on increasing the capacity of science, technology, and innovation councils builds on IDRC's experience in the field of S&T policy creation around the world and its successful collaborations in Chile and elsewhere.  It also contributes to enhancing the Government of Canada's bilateral S&T MOU with Chile, which was signed in 2008.

About IDRC
A key part of Canada's foreign policy efforts, IDRC supports research in developing countries to promote growth and development. The result is innovative, lasting solutions that aim to improve lives and livelihoods.

About STIC
The Science, Technology, and Innovation Council (STIC) is an independent advisory body, mandated by the Government of Canada, to provide confidential advice on science, technology, and innovation (STI) policy issues in response to requests by ministers or the prime minister. This advice helps inform government policy development and decision-making. STIC is also mandated to produce biennial, public State of the Nation reports that benchmark Canada's STI performance against international standards of excellence. These reports provide a common evidence base for understanding Canada's STI system, and make recommendations for improvements, to increase the quality of life of its citizens.

About CNIC
The National Innovation Council for Competitiveness (CNIC) is a public-private organization whose mission is to advise the President on the identification, formulation and implementation of policies and actions to strengthen innovation and competitiveness in Chile, as key elements for the country's development.

Image with caption: "Logo. (CNW Group/International Development Research Centre)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141201_C4141_PHOTO_EN_8794.jpg

SOURCE: International Development Research Centre

Media Enquiries: Marianne Goodwin, Senior Media and Public Affairs Advisor, International Development Research Centre, [phone], [email protected]; Maria Soledad Ugarte Montalva, Consejo Nacional de Innovación para la Competitividad, [phone], [email protected]