Research and Innovation

The Ministry of Small Business, Technology and Economic Development has provincial responsibility for research and innovation.

Research and innovation help build a strong provincial economy and support job creation, while providing a long-term foundation for a sustainable environment, healthy communities and a strong social fabric.

The B.C. Research and Innovation Strategy [PDF 3.44 mb] sets out a strategic, co-ordinated approach to research and innovation in the province. It builds on B.C.’s existing strengths and reputation for research excellence, focusing on the following principles:

• Increase or enable commercialization. 
• Leverage investment from the private sector and the federal government.
• Strengthen existing or emerging clusters of talent and infrastructure.
• Focus on key sectors where B.C. has a competitive advantage:
• Life sciences
• Technology
• Clean technology
• Natural resources

The ministry works to further British Columbia’s presence in a global knowledge-based economy, collaborating with the province’s research universities, industry partners, innovation organizations and other levels of government. The ministry also works closely with the B.C. Innovation Council, the lead provincial organization charged with advancing innovation and commercialization in British Columbia. 

The government of B.C. is committed to fostering the connections between education, people and ideas, helping B.C. become a leader in innovation, research and technology.