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Research and Development Corporation Newfoundland and Labrador

The Research & Development Corporation (RDC) is a Crown corporation of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador created to improve the province's research and development performance.

Mandate

The Mandate of the Research & Development Corporation is to strenghten the focus, quantity, quality and relevance of research and development undertaken in the province and elsewhere for the long-term economic benefit of the province. Increased research and development activities will play a major role in driving innovation, creating wealth and increasing economic growth in Newfoundland and Labrador for future generations.

Background

Early references to creating a Crown corporation focused on stimulating increased research and development in Newfoundland and Labrador are indicated in the Provincial Government's budget speech in 2007. In December 2008, The Research and Development Council Act was passed by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador establishing the Research & Development Corporation as an arms-length provincial Crown corporation. 

Leadership

In December 2007, Glenn Janes was appointed CEO of the Research & Development Corporation. In his role as CEO, Mr. Janes is responsible for the development, operation and financial management of the RDC.

Most recently, Mr. Janes served with Imperial Innovations in London, England and as a consultant with Platina Finance, a company focused on renewable energy such as wind farms. He has also worked with companies in Newfoundland and Labrador including Mad Rock, a developer of safety emergency evacuation sea systems, Hi-Point Industries and Genesis Organic Inc.

Mr. Janes is a Rhodes Scholar and holds an MBA and MSc., Environment Change and Management from Oxford University.

Focus

The RDC is focused on sectors that are of strategic importance to the Province. Ocean technology and energy have been identified as intial areas of focus for increased R&D.

Budget

The Research and Development Corporation was allacted $25 million through the Newfoundland and Labrador Budget 2009. $10 million is allocated for the Industrial Research and Innovation Fund (IRIF). This program funds research conducted at the province's post-secondary institutions and not-for-profit research centres and helps to improve the quality of resaerch performed and to recruit and retain researchers.

The RDC is also introducing two funding programs to increase industry-led R&D. They are R&D Vouchers and R&D Proof of Concept. R&D Vouchers providers up to $15, 000 to help small and medium sized enterprises access research expertise and facilities. R&D Proof of Concept covers up to 75% of the early-stage costs for pre-commercial projects to help reduce the risk associated with commercializing R&D results.

See also

Newfoundland and Labrador

Memorial University of Newfoundland

External Links

Research & Development Corporation website