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OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 05/07/13 -- The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) has transformed into an industry-focused research and technology organization. The refocused NRC will work with Canadian industries to bridge technology gaps, helping build a more innovative Canadian economy.

"NRC plays a pivotal role at the heart of Canada's innovation system," said the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology). "The refocused NRC will provide Canadian industries with access to strategic research and development, technical services and specialized scientific infrastructure they need to succeed."

"The Government's top priority is jobs, growth and long-term prosperity for all Canadians," said the Honourable Claude Carignan, Deputy Leader of the Government at the Senate. "By refocusing the NRC into a research and technology organization, our Government is ensuring that Canadian firms have the instruments and tools they need to become even more successful on the global stage."

The refocused NRC will support Canadian industries by investing in large-scale research projects that are directed by and for Canadian business. It will also develop international networks to ensure timely access to primary research and will open the doors to world class scientific infrastructure, technical expertise and people.

"We are very excited about this change. Our organization is now easier for business to understand and access," said John R. McDougall, President of the National Research Council. "We are committed to being a strong partner for innovation, and focused on achieving the concrete outcomes that will contribute to a stronger and more prosperous Canada. We will measure our success by the success of our clients."

Research and technology organizations are mission-oriented providers of innovation services to firms and governments, dedicated to building economic competitiveness and, in doing so, improving quality of life. The refocused NRC will strengthen Canadian industry by encouraging more business investment to develop innovative products and services.

BACKGROUNDER

For close to 100 years, NRC has been the primary federal vehicle for R&D performer and has engaged the world's most pressing challenges.

In the past, NRC researchers have brought forward breakthrough inventions like radar, the black box (used by the aerospace industry and beyond), canola and a vaccine for meningitis to the world.

Now, NRC is refocusing in order to better serve Canadian businesses, helping them to compete in the global marketplace against the world's most innovative companies.

NRC is Open for Business

As our county competes in the increasingly complex global marketplace, Canada's enviable standard of living cannot be taken for granted. The need for action is clear: we must encourage more business investment in research and technology development to guarantee our long-term economic growth.

To meet this challenge, NRC is refocusing to allow more Canadian businesses to access the world-class infrastructure, technical expertise and people they need to commercialize their innovative ideas. Our four business lines - Strategic R&D, Technical Services, Management of S&T Infrastructure and NRC-IRAP - work together to help fill the gap between early stage R&D and commercialization.