Final Report
Alberta Research and Innovation Authority (ARIA)
Authority Meetings and Outreach Sessions
October 30 – November 1, 2013
OVERVIEW
The Alberta Research and Innovation Authority’s (ARIA) national and international members assembled in
Calgary from October 29 – November 1, 2013 for their twice-annual in-person meeting. ARIA’s mandate is to
develop and deliver strategic research and innovation advice to the Government of Alberta and to support
collaboration opportunities within the Alberta innovation system by engaging stakeholders in system
discussions.
HEALTH INNOVATION
The ARIA members met with the Honourable Thomas A. Lukaszuk, Deputy Premier and Minister, Enterprise
and Advanced Education, the Honourable Fred Horne, Minister of Health and Dr. Cy Frank, CEO of Alberta
Innovates – Health Solutions to provide advice on high-level goals, proposed strategies and key enablers for
health innovation in Alberta.
INSTITUTE FOR APPLIED RESEARCH AND COMMERCIALIZATION EXPERT PANEL
Members of an Expert Panel, established by the Government of Alberta to support the development of an
Alberta Institute for applied research and commercialization, met with ARIA to provide an overview of the
current state of their work and to seek ARIA members’ advice on the role, scope and functions of the proposed
Institute.
HIGHER EDUCATION AND PRIVATE SECTOR CONNECTIONS
ARIA attended a roundtable discussion on industry innovation needs in Alberta. This event was hosted by
Innovate Calgary and participants included the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western
Economic Diversification, venture capitalists, angel investors, industry representatives, commercialization
leaders, and academic researchers. A similar outreach session was held in Edmonton during spring 2013.
PERFORMANCE OF THE INNOVATION SYSTEM
The co-authors of the Council of Canadian Academies report, “Paradox Lost: Explaining Canada’s Research
Strengths and Innovation Weakness”, presented the report’s recommendations and led a discussion with a
number of Alberta’s innovation leaders on implications for federal and provincial innovation policy.
STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH SESSIONS
Government of Alberta Deputy Ministers and Alberta Innovates CEOs
A group of Deputy Ministers and the Alberta Innovates CEOs participated in a roundtable discussion on policy
questions in relation to development of Alberta’s natural resource sectors. Topics included the linkage
between innovation initiatives and natural resource development, social license to operate, international
trade, aboriginal engagement and industry engagement.
Final Report: ARIA Fall 2013 Face-to-Face Meeting
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University of Calgary
Dr. Elizabeth Cannon, President and Vice-Chancellor, and Dr. Ed McAuley, Vice-President of Research, met with
ARIA to review their university’s strategic research plan. Particular focus areas included the recently released
Energy Research Strategy and plans for the College of Discovery, Creativity and Innovation.
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)
Dr. David Ross, President and CEO, Dr. Gordon Nixon, Vice-President Academic, Dr. Alex Zahavich, Director of
Applied Research and Innovation Services, and Glenn Shepherd, Director of Government and Community
Relations met with ARIA to discuss SAIT’s vision, strategic initiatives and applied research programs.
Final Report: ARIA Fall 2013 Face-to-Face Meeting
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