Research and innovation

Universities strengthen communities and spark ideas that improve our world.

 

At a time of rapid technological, economic, environmental and social change, Canadian researchers are tackling the world’s biggest challenges and creating a more prosperous, inclusive and innovative Canada.

Spotlight on

Image: A man and two women standing in a greenhouse looking at a piece of wheat. Text: University of Manitoba researcher Michelle Carkner and farmers Ian and Linda Grossart are working together to breed more sustainable crop varieties on the Grossart’s farm.

Learn how the University of Manitoba’s Participatory Plant Breeding program—run with support from SeedChange—helps Canadian farmers grow wheat, oats and potatoes adapted to their unique climates here.

By the numbers

  • $16B
    in R&D

    Universities performed $16 billion in R&D in 2022, accounting for 40 percent of total Canadian research and development.

    Source: Statistics Canada, Gross Domestic Expenditures on R&D, 2022.
  • $1.2B
    in research for business

    Canada’s universities conduct $1.2 billion in research for businesses and help build their competitive advantage.

    Source: Statistics Canada, Gross Domestic Expenditures on R&D, 2022.
  • $1.5B
    in research for not-for-profit sector

    Universities conduct $1.5 billion in research annually for the not-for-profit sector, which has more than tripled since 2000.

    Source: Statistics Canada, Gross Domestic Expenditures on R&D, 2022.

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