UK and Canada pledge to work together to develop emerging technologies
British High Commissioner and Canadian International Trade Minister sign ambitious science and innovation agreement covering multiple sectors.
Canadian Minister of International Trade Francois-Philippe Champagne and British High Commissioner Susan le Jeune d’Allegeershecque.
On Monday (18 September), British High Commissioner Susan le Jeune d’Allegeershecque and the Honourable Francois-Philippe Champagne, Minister of International Trade, signed a Canada-UK Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on science, technology, and innovation.
The MoU recognizes Canada and the UK are global leaders in research, development, and innovation and will enhance bilateral cooperation in complementary areas of research, technology, entrepreneurship and innovation. This will be done by strengthening ties between the UK and Canada’s government bodies, knowledge based institutions, clusters, and businesses. The goal is to accelerate the commercialization of emerging technologies, grow domestic firms, and create jobs in both countries.
Initial areas of focus include advanced manufacturing, agricultural technologies, clean technologies, and quantum technologies, with the potential to include additional sectors of mutual interest. It will also look to include under-represented groups, sharing benefits of economic growth in both countries.
High Commissioner le Jeune d’Allegeershecque said:
In my experience, MoUs are tremendously important to catalyze international cooperation. This agreement sets out an ambitious vision for collaboration which will help our research, development, and entrepreneur communities harness innovation to create inclusive economic growth, deepening our strong ties with Canada.
Minister Champagne said that the signature of the MoU will elevate bilateral science, technology, and innovation partnerships, generating positive outcomes for our economy through accelerated market entry of research and technology. He further highlighted the importance of the UK as a strategic partner.
The MoU takes effect immediately and remains valid for a period of ten years.