1. Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) Supporting SME growth through innovation and technology Presentation to Forum Innovation Bogdan Ciobanu, NRC-IRAP

2. IRAP Business Model IRAP assists firms to develop, adopt and adapt technologies and incorporate them into competitive products and services to be commercialized in the marketplace

3. IRAP worked with 8,063 SMEs* in 2010-2011, of which 3,098 received some form of funding 84% < less than 50 employees 65% < fewer than 20 employees Our Clients *Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) – Firms with up to 500 employees NL 352 PE 74 NS 222 NB 377 QC 1936 ON 3037 MB 352 SK 188 AB 954 BC 1201

4. IRAP Supports SMEs Innovate Through its advisory services, IRAP can assess technology solutions, “de- risk” projects, validate technology, offer market, strategic and competitive intelligence, and provide support for developing IP plans. IRAP can help firms seek venture capital and other funding opportunities, or offer funding on a shared-cost basis for the labour components of R&D projects. Thanks to ITAs’ networking expertise, IRAP can help SMEs identify opportunities, locate needed experts, and establish connections with potential partners across the country. IRAP is continuously building its national and international networks. ADVICELINKAGES FUNDING

5. There are more than 200 ITAs located in more than 100 offices across Canada. Among them: All have extensive management experience in SMEs 34% have been entrepreneurs 75% have post-graduate education (master’s degree or PhD) IRAP ITAs: Positioned to Make a Difference IRAP Industrial Technology Advisors (ITAs) are an SME’s portal to the ADVICE, NETWORKING and FUNDING that can help them overcome challenges. ITAs are trusted strategic advisors who establish lasting relationships with their clients.

6. Direct support to SMEs with international interests Technology partnering, including technology sourcing, transfer, and matching Joint R&D projects and other technology ventures Global Collaborations

7. Recent Initiatives in Aerospace Support to CRIAQ to promote participation of SMEs in their projects and expand their network across Canada (TRL 1-5) Support to the Canadian Composites Manufacturing Research & Development (CCMR&D) Consortium involving SMEs and OEM across Canada (TRL 4-6) Unmanned Aerial Systems: support to demonstration of Beyond Visual Range flight in Canadian Airspace and IAR strategy.

8. What is DTAPP? Component of the Government of Canada’s Digital Economy Strategy Delivered by NRC-IRAP and its team of Industrial Technology Advisors Objective: Accelerate the adoption of digital technologies to increase the productivity and competitiveness of SMEs across Canada and in all sectors Timeline: Started 14 November 2011 End in 2014

9. 9 | NRC-IRAP Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP)