On June 28, 2006 the Innovation, Policy and Science (IPS) Program Area presented to the IDRC Board of Governors a strategic plan to guide the initial research phase from 2006-2011 for its first program initiative called Innovation, Technology and Society (ITS).

 

With the Governors’ approval, ITS will focus on improving understanding, capacity and linkages of innovation system actors (organizations and individuals) in developing countries; supporting the development of explicit and implicit S&T policies that contribute to improved functioning of developing country innovation systems; and strengthening socio-economic impact analysis, social inclusion and learning capabilities in support of innovation and the governance of new technologies.

 

The ITS Prospectus introduces the three thematic areas that will frame both ITS’ direct project grants and partnerships: innovation system actors; science and technology policies; and impacts and inclusion. Through these entry points, ITS will continue to build on the Centre’s longstanding tradition of supporting research on science, technology and innovation policy issues. 

 

The ITS program signals the Centre’s renewed commitment to development research which can strengthen the evidence base for science, technology, and innovation policy-making processes at local, national, regional, and international levels. The program will enhance the capabilities and opportunities for developing country researchers to contribute to increased understanding of the social, environmental, and economic impacts of new science, technology, and innovation policies.  Finally, the work of ITS will also serve as a platform for IDRC to strengthen research partnerships between researchers in Canada and developing countries on innovation, S&T and society issues.