Volume 4, Issue 2, 1999
Table of Contents

At the Frontier

In the early years of the college and institute movement, our institutions faced many challenges. The most significant of these was the need to create a climate of value and credibility regarding our form of post-secondary education. Until our creation, the post-secondary arena was exclusively dominated by our colleagues at the university level. Much has changed over the years and we are now seeing a growing recognition of the role of our institutions. My sense is that we are now facing the same challenges as we begin to move into another "cherished" domain of the universities: research.

Colleges and institutes are at the frontier of an uncharted territory called research and development. Some have succeeded in putting down roots in this new area and prospering while others have yet to enter. However, the well-established university research community is not about to fling open its arms and unabashedly welcome the college sector into the fold.

The world of research is large, complex, eventful and tantalizing and the rules have served it well. The federal departments and agencies that are responsible for research and innovation funding are primarily focused on the university sector. Colleges are newcomers to this world and must understand the rules first before calling for change. We must encourage collaboration with the university sector. At the same time, the role and effort of colleges in research and development must be valued and nurtured by the key players. Each time the Prime Minister promises more funding for research in a knowledge-based economy, we welcome it. However, this promise is often immediately followed by a qualifying statement such as "research funds for universities". Then come the editorials and page-one articles in the Globe and Mail on the value of research and innovation. No mention of colleges. Should we take out a one-page $50,000 advertisement in the Globe and rebuff the neglectful mention of colleges and institutes? Or, should we continue to lobby, advocate and take our wins and publicize them?

The College Research Development Fund of the Canada Foundation for Innovation was a key highlight in the Association’s advocacy career. The subsequent unveiling of a second competition for this fund in the same fiscal year is also another direct win. Our 2nd Association-sponsored Research Symposium was also a win. Five years ago, no one would have thought that a conference on this topic would have attracted any participants. The Association will continue to lobby as we did during our recent presentation before the federal government’s Standing Committee on Finance. The message was clear...college and institutes of technology must be on the radar screen when it comes to research.

Our gains will continue to be forthcoming. Colleges and institutes have expertise, community, industry and business linkages and the responsiveness needed to shine in the area of research and development. The research activities and specialities of some of our member institutions have been highlighted in this issue of College Canada. We cannot do justice to all colleges and institutes involved in research due to space limitations but the articles herein give a taste of the depth and breadth of the innovation and knowledge-building capacity contained within the college system.

Gerry Brown
President, ACCC