Nanotechnology Subsector Study: Canada s Evolving Nanotechnology Industry and Future Implications for the ICT Labour Force

Transcription

1 Nanotechnology Subsector Study: Canada s Evolving Nanotechnology Industry and Future Implications for the ICT Labour Force Validation Session Findings June, 2011 Information and Communications Technology Council 1

2 BACKGROUND In March 2011, the Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) completed a preliminary review of Nanotechnology. The Labour Market Intelligence (LMI) Advisory Committee recommended a study of nanotechnology as an emerging technology which is having a significant impact on the overall scientific research as well as its commercialization prospects, which often translates into a requirement of an informed labour workforce. Doyletech Corporation was awarded the contract for undertaking the study. Their research examined the evolution of nanotechnology in Canada and future implications on the ICT labour force. The findings of this study were then further validated through focus groups held across Canada between the months of June August 2011 in four cities namely, Edmonton (AB), Vancouver (BC), Toronto (ON), and Montreal (QC). These venues were selected based on the preliminary findings that identified these cities as the centres of research and development (R & D) as well as centres of concentration of nano industry in Canada. A total of over 30 subject matter experts (SMEs) from various nano associated industry, education, research, and associations participated in these sessions. The objective of the focus groups was to ensure that the preliminary report captured the landscape of nanotechnology in Canada and internationally, and to identify areas for further enhancement. METHODOLOGY The focus groups begun with a summary of the key findings embedded in the preliminary report and were followed with a discussion around the recommendations. The input received from the SMEs representing the varied sectors industry, academia, research and policy identified additional areas for research associated with nanotechnology. Findings from these focus groups are summarized below. FINDINGS Nanotechnology (NNT) is a pervasive and enabling technology. It is not a sector such as ICT, Health or Finance. As a technology, nanotechnology is comparable to software and nano tools are comparable to microscopic tools for the depth and intensity of research that can be conducted. 2

3 The essential components for nanotechnology were identified in the 80s and 90s. In the 21 st century it is being used extensively and its use will continue to grow. Thus it is not a trend but a technology that will continue to grow and prosper. Commercialization of nanotechnology is required, although ICTC s study lacks mention of it. The schema defining the NNT applications, products and services can be made more inclusive with the inclusion of Defence, Advanced Materials, Transportation, Forest Products, Materials, Manufacturing and Products, Food and Agriculture. Industries that produce nano products are not necessarily nano focused but use nano as an enabling technology. Thus, there are two types of companies utilizing nanotechnology nano manufacturing companies and nano enabled companies. Funding in Canada is limited to the public sector. The Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI) has awarded funding for emerging technologies and research but nothing has been funded around nanotechnology. Canada requires more researchers in the area of nanotechnology in order to advance the field. Universities in Québec are protective about their intellectual property (IP). Often universities seek royalty for their IP which could be as high as 20 per cent of the industry profits. Benefits of nanotechnology are immense but they also have an impact on Health and Safety. Thus, the extensive use of nano products is restricted and there is an ongoing debate around the benefits and disadvantages of nanotechnology. Human Resource (HR) Skills: o Strong technical skills are available. However, the business skills that the sector requires are missing. NNT is challenged with a lack of business people who can carry on the conversations, creativity and innovation of NNT across all sectors. There is a growing demand for graduates from nano programs. o The issues related to skills cannot be resolved at the nano level; solutions to nanotechnology issues (investment and skills) must be addressed on a larger scale that includes all scientific disciplines and tech commercialization issues. 3

4 o In the United States (US), some companies are investing in two-year programs for new graduates in nanotechnology; these programs help recent graduates build the business skills (i.e., sales) they will need to work in the field. o In Alberta, the Industrial Associates Program (IAP) connects graduates with the industries that have committed stipends. While still in its infancy, the program has proven to be highly effective with a demand exceeding the available funds. o The existing pool of engineers and other disciplines associated with nano can be trained and equipped with the skills needed to work with nanotechnology. Their technical knowledge in the subject matter (i.e., semiconductors or biotechnology) will be strong. However, the next element required is commercialization of the R&D for revenue generation. o There is a strong demand for engineers who also have business experience. o For enhancement of skills in nanotechnology modular programs are required. Academic Programs: o Integrate the nano aspect in all the academic streams that have a relationship with nanotechnology, such as various disciplines of engineering (mechanical, chemical, electrical, medical etc.). o However, the key issue is identifying where nanotechnology specialization is required. Is it in semiconductors, health, aviation, material and manufacturing etc., or in all the STEM related disciplines? o Entrepreneurship and other elements of business can be integrated into academic programs. For example, UBC has introduced an Early Business Program. Similar programs are required at the faculty level. o Very few individuals/researchers from the universities are leading the commercialization process for their products. o The universities in BC expressed a concern around lack of funds for patenting IP of individuals/researchers. o If industry can identify what they need from academic institutions, professors can engage students to develop the products that meet industry requirements. o Industry can also benefit from internship, placement or apprenticeship programs available for graduate students. At the same time the onus lies on industry to create and support more of these programs to facilitate the transition from academia to industry. o Training modules around nano would be useful for engineering graduates. 4

5 Revisions to the preliminary report: o Figures in the preliminary report that make reference to the nano market (i.e., $100 billion in Canada and $2 trillion worldwide by 2020) must be revisited. Suggestions: o Utilize LinkedIn and other Social Media to get real-time data regarding nanotechnology companies and HR related information within Canada. o More centres such as the National Institute of Nanotechnology (NINT) in Edmonton (AB) are required for conducting research in the field. In BC, a Centre for Photonics and Innovation Research with funding from Industry Canada was created. A similar model can be replicated for expanding the research and commercialization of nanotechnology. National Centres of Excellence for HIV research. Arboro Nano in Quebec. o A recommendation was made to closely examine the growth of nanotechnology in: Alberta and understand how that province succeeded in developing a working model. California (USA) to understand what is working there. What were the input drivers that drove research and commercialization in the Silicon Valley? o A comprehensive definition of nanotechnology is required. o Nanotechnology requires a platform for discussion and communication that will facilitate exchange of ideas and updates on what is brewing across Canada. o Question to consider: Can the Canadian manufacturing industries involved in nanotechnology act as a funnel for luring funds into Canadian universities? o ICTC can certainly play a role through its: Expertise in standards; Networking between universities/colleges with industry; Helping build relationships/partnerships with international organizations. Showcase to the nano space what ICTC has done around software and hardware. 5

6 Programs: o Wonderville.ca An educational online link operated by Science Alberta Foundation for grades K-12. This resource includes informative material on nanotechnology for grade level students to introduce them to the concept of nanotechnology as an emerging technology. o CREATE, an NSERC program that facilitates career placements and changing the curriculum, must be examined. Action Items: o Accelerate the transition from R & D to product and distribution i.e. commercialization. An extremely important challenge to be addressed. o Canada requires a national strategy in whose absence there are huge implications for the growth of the nanotechnology sector in Canada. o Nanotechnology Standards Advisory Committee does work collaboratively but provincial bodies require doing some additional work. o National Council of Deans is there but more is required beyond this level. o Recommendations from the preliminary report require an action plan that translates into activities for real time. Challenges: o Tools used for nanotechnology are extremely expensive and plenty of funds are required to have make labs operational. o The products developed through nanotechnology are not expensive but the tools required for undertaking the nanotechnology research are expensive. Questions to be explored: o Identify the value proposition of nanotechnology; is it in research, innovation or commercialization? o How do IP issues impact the commercialization process? o How do we stimulate industry to invest in more nano research? 6