"Canadian Research"  [Reflections On Book  The Canadian Economy Series  B-5a]

In Canada, a nation small in fact,
We shun the research – market-tests enact;
If it’s “No go” we lose the same amount
As research tab – if “Go” our actions count –

For then we’re half-way down the road today,
Not starting out to plug it in and play;
So “Pilot-projects”, “Small initiatives”,
Are what we’ve got – what first impression gives.

Three solitudes – of government and U.
With industry low third to what they do;
In-house, the work of government is tops;
Branch plants import the US research lots.

At U. the research splits, not like the Yanks;
Industrial is shunned in egg-head ranks;
Tech-transfer’s hard, communication too –
Where solitudes converge, good work we’d do.

That much aside, we “complement” The States –
As source of power and manufacture make
What they can use – like pulp and paper stuff;
Beyond the raw, creation work is rough.

It’s resource-based, our work in R&D,
Like oil sands and oceanography;
Else we absorb what other outfits do
Tech-sovereignty’s a policy to use.

Take tougher tasks in mining work these days –
As “easy ores” are gone, new process pays;
Keep ag-related research going fine;
Add transport in; communication line.

There’s seven things tech-sovereignty would need:
Control and increase tech which business feeds;
Grow up our own good research firms up here;
“Buy Canada” to government make clear.

Raise up a small amount of high-tech firms,
For greater spread where innovation learns
(Small business must stay lean and innovate,
So back these firms to learn before too late).

Prop up the programs to support our goals
(Tech-sovereignty – like oil sands and coal);
Boost basic research, make applicable –
Work egg-heads do – they’re more than capable.

That shifts the picture of our world today –
Entrepreneurs of public type in play;
A preference for “Buy local” – sectors eight,
Supply and service point – seven at the gate.

Then maximize unfairness in the main;
Small business grows so we don’t stay the same;
Collaborate, tech-transfer’s focal point;
Then basic research with new cash anoint.

I’d add one more, from work I’ve had at hand –
The social scene – research throughout the land
For education, health-care are the cost
Which sinks our ship – such research costs a lot.

Thanks Lord for this.

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