productivity Archives - Polytechnics Canada

Reflections of 2024: Resilience in the Face of Adversity

By Kamila Graczyk | December 20, 2024

As 2024 draws to a close, it is hard not to focus on the tremendous challenges brought on by abrupt federal policy changes on the international student file. Our members – like much of the postsecondary community – are grappling with the fallout of sweeping cuts, harsh rhetoric about the quality of Canadian education, then further caps and restrictions to post-graduate work permits.

While the difficulties cannot be overlooked, moments like this can also be transformative. They force us to review, retrench and find new paths forward. As we turn the page on 2024 and look ahead, there are reasons for optimism.

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Recent Reforms to the International Student Program

December 10, 2024 | 1.68MB | Download pdf >

Recent changes to international student policy represent one of the most consequential federal actions affecting the post-secondary education sector in decades. The damage to Canada’s international reputation has been profound, tarnishing its image both as a destination for international students and as a welcoming place for immigrants.

Polytechnics Canada’s recommendations to the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration include:

All Bachelor’s degree programs should be treated equally with regard to post-graduate work permit (PGWP) eligibility, reflecting undifferentiated labour market outcomes
Provincial labour market data should inform PGWP eligibility, recognizing that institutions respond to local and regional employer requirements for talent
Desist in making additional changes to the international student program, enabling the sector to stabilize and regroup without threat of continued uncertainty

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Study on the new Capstone Research Funding Organization

December 10, 2024 | 1.64MB | Download pdf >

Though Canada makes considerable investments in academic research, its struggle with productivity is well documented. Knowledge mobilization remains a significant challenge. The capstone research funding organization has the potential to address this shortcoming.

As the Standing Committee on Science and Research considers recommendations for a new capstone organization, Polytechnics Canada sees tremendous value in the creation of an organization focused on connecting academic research to the innovation supply chain.

Polytechnics Canada’s recommendations include:

Identify priorities and focus for the new capstone research organization
Assess capacity and expertise to address those priorities across the research ecosystem
Encourage and support inter-disciplinary partnerships, including with industry partners who are positioned to test and implement research findings

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Polytechnic Applied Research

September 17, 2024 | View the interactive publication | 581.49KB | Download pdf >

Applied research is an important way that Canada’s polytechnics support small- and mid-sized businesses that lack internal R&D resources. This four-page brief includes annual statistics gathered from our member institutions and provides ideas for how to maximize the impact of applied research in Canada.

Canada’s innovation tool box should contain more applied research

By Sarah Watts-Rynard | September 15, 2024 | Originally featured in the Toronto Star

While Canada’s productivity indicators have long been lacklustre, the urgency of addressing persistently sluggish economic performance has only recently made headlines.

What we’ve known for some time — that small businesses are relatively slow to adopt new technology, that skill mismatches diminish performance and impede growth — is no longer a conversation confined to economists and central bankers.

With poor productivity performance, quality of life in Canada is being eroded and policymakers urgently need effective solutions. Past federal measures introduced to boost innovation and productivity have been disappointing or delayed, failing to generate promised results. Productivity indicators continue to lag those of peer countries.

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The Economic Impact of Applied Research at Canada’s Polytechnics

August 6, 2024 | 2.23MB | Download pdf >

Polytechnics Canada has worked with economists at Prism Economics and Analysis to study the economic and social impacts of applied research underway at our member institutions. Along with datasets drawn from NSERC, Statistics Canada and our own annual surveys, principal investigators and business partners provided information about the value derived from applied research collaborations. The report includes 30 case studies, showcasing projects driving market innovation, technology adoption, environmental impact or improved health and wellness.

Key takeaways include:

Every dollar invested in polytechnic applied research generates a return on investment from a low estimate of $8.09 to a high of $18.49
As a result of applied research collaborations, 51 per cent of project partners reported increased R&D capability, 48 per cent achieved improved competitiveness and 12 per cent said they created new jobs
More than 85 per cent of applied research partners are small- or mid-sized organizations – a group that faces unique barriers to investing in R&D. Among the barriers identified are a shortage of technical staff, lack of facilities, capital constraints and regulatory burden

Transnational cooperation beyond the European Higher Education Area

By Sarah Watts-Rynard | July 3, 2024 | Originally featured in EURASHE

Against a backdrop of discussion largely focused on European Universities Alliances, a panel made up of Preeti Nair (India), David Ross (Canada) and Ahmed Samy (UAE) provided interesting insights about opportunities for transnational cooperation with those outside Europe.

Moderated by Hilligje van’t Land of the International Association of Universities, discussion reflected optimism that applied post-secondary education is increasingly being recognized by governments and industry partners as an essential part of global advanced education systems. While this attention draws partners and funding to universities of applied science and polytechnics, it also challenges institutions to stay ahead in an environment of rapid technological change and societal transformation.

In Canada’s housing crisis, skilled tradespeople as essential as blueprints. Here’s how Ottawa can grow their numbers

By Piers Young | February 11, 2024 | Originally featured in the Toronto Star

Canada is facing its worst housing affordability crisis in decades, putting home ownership out of reach for many young people looking to get a foothold in the market.

Despite federal investments designed to boost housing supply and expedite building approvals, the need for millions of new homes comes with additional challenges. At least as urgent as freeing up land and issuing building permits is the need for skilled tradespeople able to turn blueprints into bathrooms and concepts into kitchens.

Adopting clean technology is a skills issue

By Alyssa Buttineau | December 11, 2023 | Originally featured in The Hill Times

The urgency of climate change action is no longer theoretical. Worldwide, fires, floods and extreme heat have made it clear that we have a major global challenge on our hands.

Among the solutions, Canada should be all-in on clean technology adoption. While renewables are increasingly viable and tax levers have proven to influence company and consumer behaviour, clean tech offers immediate-term benefits that are critical to achieving climate wins.