A new report from the Council of Canadian Academies warns that Canada is steadily losing ground in global science, technology, and innovation performance—putting the country’s future prosperity at risk.
Commissioned by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, the analysis shows Canada’s research and innovation ecosystem is struggling at a time of rapid global change. The report highlights declining research and development investment, especially within the private sector, where spending remains well below the OECD average. Government R&D funding has also fallen behind international peers.
One of the few bright spots is Canada’s university sector, which continues to produce high-impact research and attract top talent. However, the report notes that this advantage is fragile. Post-secondary institutions face challenges in moving discoveries out of the lab and into commercial markets, weakening Canada’s ability to grow competitive, homegrown companies.
The report also points to Canada’s early leadership in artificial intelligence. While Canadian researchers helped shape the field, the country is now falling behind in AI adoption and commercialization, missing out on economic opportunities.
According to the expert panel, Canada needs stronger and more coordinated support for technology development, better access to domestic risk capital, and targeted efforts to grow strength in key sectors. Without meaningful action, the country risks continued decline in productivity, competitiveness, and quality of life.
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