Canada signs Joint Statement on Science, Technology and Innovation with Switzerland

DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 25, 2018 /CNW/ - Canada and Switzerland signed an agreement today on science and innovation that would promote growth and middle-class jobs.

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Canada's Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of International Trade, along with Swiss Federal Councillor Johann N. Schneider-Ammann, Head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research, signed the Joint Statement on Science, Technology and Innovation (ST&I) strengthening collaboration between the two countries.

The joint statement promotes collaboration between Canadian and Swiss institutions in relation to science, technology, innovation research and education. While Canadian-Swiss relations are strong and diversified, there is an opportunity to deepen collaboration in the areas of sustainability and the Arctic, as well as in life sciences, clean tech and advanced manufacturing?areas that Canada has identified as key sectors for growth.

The signing took place at the World Economic Forum following a round table between officials of the two countries.

Quote

"This new agreement gives us the opportunity to deepen an already strong relationship as two innovation nations. With Canada's strong performance on jobs and growth, and Switzerland's leadership on innovation and stimulating business research and development, we each have a great deal to offer the other. As a result of this new agreement, Canadian and Swiss companies will also have greater opportunities to collaborate and innovate by having access to leading technologies and scientific advances."
? The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

"Strengthening bilateral cooperation with Switzerland ?reinforces the ability of our scientists, engineers, technicians and those employed across the entire innovation ecosystem to work together. By enhancing cooperation with the Swiss, Canadians will profit on existing collaborations in clean tech, renewable energy, information and communication technologies, Arctic research, and advanced manufacturing. Collaboration in science is the foundation of discovery and the key to creating more jobs at home."
? The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of International Trade

Quick facts

• Canada and Switzerland enjoy a strong and diverse commercial relationship that covers the full spectrum of trade, investment and innovation.
• Canada has the highest annualized GDP growth rate in the G7.
• In 2017, for the seventh consecutive year, Switzerland was ranked as the world's most innovative country by the Global Innovation Index.
• The Joint Statement on Science, Technology and Innovation (ST&I) encourages the sharing of best practices; access to technology, market and talent; advanced R&D collaboration; commercialization; and the integration of stakeholders from both countries into global value chains.

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SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada