Agriculture, biotech and BSE research in Alberta will all operate through one of four new provincial corporations as part of the province’s “Alberta Innovates” support structure for scientific research.
“A stronger, more co-ordinated system will bring new opportunities to Alberta researchers and entrepreneurs,” Premier Ed Stelmach said in a release Monday.
Alberta Innovates officially launched Jan. 1 as the province’s new Research and Innovation Act and regulation came into force, realigning what were previously 10 provincially-funded research organizations.
The new structure stems from Stelmach’s proposal in March 2008 for a new framework, to be developed by provincial Technology Minister Doug Horner, defining the roles and mandates for Alberta’s provincially funded research and innovation organizations.
Read Also
U.S. livestock: Cattle strength continues
Cattle futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange were stronger on Friday, hitting fresh highs to end the week.
Staff from the former Alberta Agricultural Research Institute, Alberta Forestry Research Institute, Alberta Life Sciences Institute and Alberta Prion Research Institute will now operate under the direction of a new agency, Alberta Innovates – Bio Solutions.
Art Froehlich, a partner and strategic advisor in Calgary-based ag communications and marketing agency AdFarm, will chair the new biosolutions agency’s board, the province announced Monday.
“Why do agriculture, forestry and food/health come under one umbrella?” Froehlich wrote on the Alberta Innovates website. “It’s because they all draw upon biological resources that offer untapped potential for an astounding array of new high-value products.
“Common building blocks such as cellulose and starch provide opportunities to mix and match the incredible wealth of natural resources in Alberta, without taking away from traditional commodity uses for food, feed and fuel.”
The new structure also sets up Alberta Innovates – Energy and Environment, including staff from the former Alberta Energy Research Institute and Alberta Water Research Institute and chaired by Eric Newell, chancellor emeritus of the University of Alberta.
The structure also includes Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions, Alberta Innovates – Technology Futures and a new “international advisory board” dubbed the Alberta Research and Innovation Authority, retooled from the former Alberta Science and Research Authority.
“Private capital”
The province expects research bodies to work more closely together under the new structure, thus presenting a “stronger, more cohesive presence on the global stage, helping to open up new markets for made-in-Alberta products, processes and services.”
Collaborative relationships and programs are also expected to “speed up the process of translating research to results, attracting innovators, scientists and researchers from around the world who are looking for supportive, outcomes-oriented working environments,” the province said.
Encouraging commercialization of new technologies in this way is also expected to attract “angel investors, professional venture capitalists, foundations, corporations and others who are using private capital to promote the transition to a sustainable future,” the province said.
“Not only will we be more aligned, but we’re launching a new Connector service to give researchers and entrepreneurs guidance to help them make the connections they need to succeed, right here in Alberta,” said Horner, a former provincial ag minister.
“The Connector will be an Alberta trademark and selling point both at home and around the world. Our resources, our clients, and our businesses are really an extension of one single effort to create a culture of innovation at all levels.”
“Reduced complexity and duplication together with the new Connector service will enable the system to be more efficient and responsive,” the province said.
