C HAPTER 7: C REATING I NVESTMENT O PPORTUNITIES T HROUGH T HE SDTC
Figure 3
It can be argued that Canadian scientists and engineers possess some of the greatest skills and expertise in the world, but tend to work in isolation of commercial markets. This can lead to a “disconnect” between what they develop and what the market wants. Without a strong market demand for a new technology, there is very little chance of creating a commercial success. The financial institutions, sensing this lack of coordination, avoid opportunities that are perceived to be high risk. These gaps pose the greatest threats to technology development. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT TECHNOLOGY CANADA Sustainable Development Technology Canada has been formed to bridge these gaps
A CASE IN POINT Natural gas vehicle technology is clearly able to reduce air emissions from cars and trucks. However, it's difficult for consumers to buy natural gas for their cars (distribution), the tanks take up usable space in the trunk (consumer preference), and retailers have to install expensive safety mechanisms (regulation and control). For these reasons, there has been only limited interest in natural gas vehicle technology, despite its benefits and the time and expense involved in developing the core technology.
and provide funding continuity. It is a funding organization that increases access to market and the rate of market entry for the commercialization of innovative technologies that address climate change and air quality. SDTC focuses on four main priorities: • Creating Integrated Networks: SDTC acts as the central body that orchestrates the efforts of all the players in the innovation network. It does so by managing financial relationships and by building consortia of marketers, researchers, financiers, technology manufacturers, distributors and end users. Together, this creates “go to market” partnerships with a high likelihood of successful market entry.
56
Powered by FlippingBook