Ottawa, ON – An evaluation report released today by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) highlights Mitacs’ role in responding to the ongoing need to increase Canadian innovation by “using internships to facilitate linkages between academia and industry and increased international collaboration.”
The purpose of the evaluation was to assess the relevance and performance of ISED-funded Mitacs programs between 2012 and 2016. “ISED supports Mitacs’ Accelerate, Elevate, and Globalink internship programs, which are designed to:
- increase industry-academia research collaboration,
- boost investment in industrial research,
- improve the employability of its interns, and
- encourage highly qualified graduates to remain in Canada.”
The evaluation found that Mitacs clearly supports “government priorities to invest in research and innovation to strengthen the Canadian economy.” Further, the work of Mitacs interns has supported “the development of new products, processes, and services for industry partners.”
ISED’s evaluation relied on five data collection methods, including document and literature reviews, interviews, exit and outcome survey data of program participants, and case studies of universities and industry partners.
Quote:
Alejandro Adem, CEO and Scientific Director, Mitacs
“This report highlights the Government of Canada’s support for Mitacs programs and our role in fostering the next generation of ground-breaking researchers through industry-academia partnerships. Mitacs programs are helping Canadian researchers to make critically important contributions to science, industry, and the social fabric of Canada. These advances in innovation lead to economic growth that benefits the entire country.”
Quick facts:
- Mitacs is a national not-for-profit organization led by Canadian universities that has designed and delivered research and training programs in Canada for more than 17 years.
- Working with 60 universities, thousands of companies, and both federal and provincial governments, Mitacs builds partnerships that support industrial and social innovation in Canada.
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