BC Aerospace welcomes provincial initiative to stimulate technology development
December 8, 2015Aerospace sector sees strong links between BC Technology Strategy and efforts to increase aerospace research and technology development in BC
Abbotsford, BC: December 8, 2015 – The BC Aerospace industry welcomed today’s $100 million “BC Tech Fund” announcement as an important step in stimulating local technology growth and as being closely aligned with joint government-industry-academic efforts to generate more aerospace research and technology development in BC. Technology development factors significantly into AIAC Pacific’s plan for accelerating the growth of BC’s aerospace sector, which includes developing “R&D Centres of Excellence” as one of its five key strategic focuses.
“Aerospace and technology development go hand-in-hand,” said David Schellenberg, Chair of AIAC Pacific. “In partnership with the provincial government, AIAC Pacific has identified research and technology development as a priority, and we’re working hard to identify and secure funding sources, connect potential research partners and convince our industry of the benefits of investing in R&D.”
BC’s aerospace and academic communities were quick off the mark in securing federal research dollars through the Consortium for Aerospace Research and Innovation in Canada (CARIC), which established a national research network in the spring of 2015.
“Research and technology development is critical to Canada’s competitiveness in the global aerospace market,” said Jim Quick, President and CEO of the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada, a founding partner in CARIC. “To be a leader in aerospace R&D, Canada must tap into the strengths and capabilities of every region, and that’s why we are proud to be working in partnership with the Province of BC and to see their commitment to advancing technology and innovation in their province.”
AIAC Pacific also looks forward to learning about the province’s BC Tech Talent and Market initiatives which will be unveiled at the BC Tech Summit in January 2016. Training for aerospace engineers and linking them with opportunities in BC was raised as a key issue during a series of BC Aerospace Industry Forums held across the province this fall.
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