The Daily, Wednesday, June 27, 2001. Innovation in Canadian manufacturing: National estimates

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Innovation in Canadian manufacturing: National estimates

The working paper Innovation in Canadian manufacturing: National estimates is the first in a series that analyses results from the 1999 Survey of Innovation, examines the characteristics of innovative firms in manufacturing.

The survey, conducted during the fall of 1999, shows that four out of every five Canadian manufacturing firms were innovative during the period 1997 and 1999. That is, they offered a new or significantly improved product to their clients, or introduced a new or significantly improved production or manufacturing process.

Sixty-eight percent of manufacturing firms introduced innovations concerning products, while 66% introduced innovations to do with processes; 54% did both.

For the 88% of innovative manufacturing firms that provided a description of their most important innovation, 12% indicated that it was a world first. Thirty-two percent reported it was a first in Canada.

Sixty-eight percent of innovative firms in manufacturing reported that they undertook research and development activities during the three-year period 1997 to 1999.

This working paper contains descriptive statistics and statistical tables on percentage of innovative firms, novelty of innovation, sources of information, activities linked to innovation, research and development, co-operative and collaborative arrangements, intellectual property, objectives, problems and obstacles, government support programs, impact and human resources. It also includes a description of survey methodology.

The Survey of Innovation 1999 resulted from a collaboration between the Science, Innovation and Electronic Information Division of Statistics Canada, and three other departments: Industry Canada, Natural Resources Canada, and the Institute for Research in Construction of the National Research Council. The survey's goal was to provide pertinent information on innovation and related activities with the ultimate aim of developing policies and programs.

Subsequent papers will include an examination of innovation in manufacturing at the provincial level, and innovation in selected natural resource industries at both the national and provincial levels.

For more information, or to enquire about the concepts, methods or data quality of this release, contact Susan Schaan (613-951-1953; susan.schaan@statcan.gc.ca) Science, Innovation and Electronic Information Division.