Behind all great studies, there is a team of people including experts and individuals who put in time and effort in order to make a difference sharing their own opinions and thoughtful words. These are the people I would like to thank first — each and every contributor who took part in the study on intellectual property and technology transfer. They helped create a solid foundation from which the House of Commons Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology could begin its proposals.

Some of the most promising inventions and expertise are being developed in post-secondary institutions, including Canada’s excellent universities, colleges and research hospitals. When industry collaborates with academia, scientific and technological breakthroughs lead to a flourishing economy. And yet, the Committee consistently heard during its 2017 manufacturing study of the difficulty of managing the intellectual property rights and technology transfer. Just as other countries have done, Canada’s technology transfer policies need to evolve if the public is to benefit from the fruits of public and private research.

Between May 15 and June 20 2017, our Committee collected over 40 submissions and testimonies. Not only did multiple universities across Canada participate, but so did many expert individuals who presented their own studies. These contributions helped the Committee paint a clearer and easily understandable picture of the challenges and opportunities of Canadian technology transfer. The Committee is proud to present recommendations to the Government of Canada that will help all those who are involved or will be involved with technology transfer and, ultimately, all Canadians.

Dan Ruimy, M.P. Chair