Industrial Research Assistance Program(IRAP)

Supporting SME growth through innovation and technology

Presentation to Forum InnovationBogdan Ciobanu, NRC-IRAP

IRAP Business ModelIRAP assists firms to develop, adopt

and adapt technologies and incorporate them into competitive

products and services to be

commercialized in

the marketplace

IRAP worked with 8,063 SMEs* in 2010-2011, of which 3,098 received some form of funding• 84% < less than

50 employees• 65% < fewer than

20 employees

Our Clients

* Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) – Firms with up to 500 employees

NL

352

PE

74

NS

222

NB

377

QC

1936

ON

3037

MB

352

SK

188

AB

954

BC

1201

IRAP Supports SMEs Innovate

Through its advisory services, IRAP can assess technology solutions, “de-risk” projects, validate technology, offer market, strategic and competitive intelligence, and provide support for developing IP plans.

IRAP can help firms seek venture capital and other funding opportunities, or offer funding on a shared-cost basis for the labour components of R&D projects.

Thanks to ITAs’ networking expertise, IRAP can help SMEs identify opportunities, locate needed experts, and establish connections with potential partners across the country. IRAP is continuously building its national and international networks.

ADVICE LINKAGES FUNDING

There are more than 200 ITAs located in more than 100 offices across Canada. Among them:

• All have extensive management experience in SMEs

• 34% have been entrepreneurs

• 75% have post-graduate education (master’s degree or PhD)

IRAP ITAs: Positioned to Make a DifferenceIRAP Industrial Technology Advisors (ITAs) are an SME’s portal to the ADVICE, NETWORKING and FUNDING that can help them overcome challenges. ITAs are trusted strategic advisors who establish lasting relationships with their clients.

• Direct support to SMEs with international interests

• Technology partnering, including technology sourcing, transfer, and matching

• Joint R&D projects and other technology ventures

Global Collaborations

Recent Initiatives in Aerospace• Support to CRIAQ to promote

participation of SMEs in their projects and expand their network across Canada (TRL 1-5)

• Support to the Canadian Composites Manufacturing Research & Development (CCMR&D) Consortium involving SMEs and OEM across Canada (TRL 4-6)

• Unmanned Aerial Systems: support to demonstration of Beyond Visual Range flight in Canadian Airspace and IAR strategy.

What is DTAPP?• Component of the Government of Canada’s Digital Economy Strategy

• Delivered by NRC-IRAP and its team of Industrial Technology Advisors

• Objective: Accelerate the adoption of digital technologies to increase the productivity and competitiveness of SMEs across Canada and in all sectors

Timeline: Started 14 November

2011End in 2014

9 | NRC-IRAP

Thank you

Industrial Research Assistance Program(IRAP)