BERLIN, Germany, Sept. 21, 2016 /CNW/ - A declaration of intent was signed today between Germany's Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy and the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) to stimulate and fund innovation-driven collaborations among German and Canadian SMEs. The signing took place as part of bilateral meetings between Mrs. Iris Gleicke, Parliamentary Secretary to the Federal Minister of Economy and Energy and the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Canada's Minister of Science.
By fostering collaborative scientific and industrial research and development projects, both countries aim to build on existing strong and lasting partnerships to accelerate the development of new innovations with high potential for commercialization. A funded call for proposals was launched in which eligible Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) may receive funding through NRC's Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP) for approved projects, ultimately creating jobs and opportunities to grow the middle class. In Germany, support will be provided to German companies by the Central Innovation Programmes for SMEs (BMWi ZIM).
"Innovation and Internationalization create growth and wealth. With the ZIM-Programme, we, therefore support the development of innovative products or more efficient production processes and initiate networks between science and international partners. In particular SMEs benefit from international knowledge transfer by research and development. We are particularly committed to create ideal framework conditions, because SMEs are the backbone of our success. Canada and Germany already have intensive relationships, and we are happy to strengthen them with this cooperation." said Mrs. Gleicke.
"Innovation is a national priority that will strengthen the middle class and enhance the global competitiveness of Canadian businesses, putting them on a clear path to create jobs and long-term economic growth," added Minister Duncan. "Through scientific and industrial collaboration between our two resourceful nations, as well as the recently launched Innovation Agenda, the National Research Council will explore valuable new partnerships to benefit both our countries' small and medium-sized enterprises while sustaining our scientific excellence."
Related links
- National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program
- Central Innovation Programme for SMEs
- Canada – Germany joint industrial R&D projects - Call for proposals
SOURCE National Research Council Canada
Media Relations Team, National Research Council of Canada, 1-855-282-1637 (toll-free, 24/7, in Canada only), 1-613-991-1431 (elsewhere in North America), 001-613-991-1431 (international). [email protected], Twitter: @NRC_CNRC; Véronique Perron, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Science, 343-291-2600
Share this article