Roles and responsibilities of Alberta Innovates

Alberta Innovates is a key research and innovation corporation in Alberta, established under the Alberta Research and Innovation Act, with a mandate to support and accelerate research and innovation activities that align with the Government of Alberta's priorities. Below is a detailed overview of its roles and responsibilities, drawn from the provided search results.

Mandate and Vision

Alberta Innovates aims to be recognized as a leader in catalyzing research and innovation provincially, nationally, and internationally. Its mandate focuses on delivering tangible outcomes for Albertans through a user-driven, outcomes-oriented approach. This includes contributing to a diversified economy, enhanced environmental performance, and improved health and well-being16.

The corporation operates within a framework set by the Government of Alberta, aligning with strategies such as the Alberta Technology and Innovation Strategy (ATIS) and the province's Investment and Growth Strategy. It reports to the Minister of Technology and Innovation and is governed by a government-appointed board36.

Core Roles and Responsibilities

• Supporting Research and Innovation Priorities: Alberta Innovates is tasked with meeting the Government of Alberta's research and innovation priorities across multiple sectors, including agriculture, forestry, energy, health, environment, and other areas determined by regulations. It supports activities from discovery to commercialization and application of knowledge126.

• Fostering Industry Growth: The corporation works to develop and grow new and existing industries through research and innovation, helping to diversify Alberta’s economy and enhance global competitiveness14.

• Funding and Resource Provision: As a funder and service provider, Alberta Innovates offers targeted funding programs, business advice, and expertise to researchers, entrepreneurs, and companies of all sizes. It also provides access to applied research and industrial testing facilities through its subsidiaries, C-FER Technologies and InnoTech Alberta, to help validate, test, and scale innovations26.

• Collaboration and Partnerships: The organization acts as a partner and collaborator, building networks and strategic partnerships with government, industry, academia, and other stakeholders. It facilitates connections through initiatives like Regional Innovation Networks and the Scaleup Growth Accelerator Program to ensure innovators access the right resources at the right time46.

• Convening and Connecting: Alberta Innovates brings together innovators, industry leaders, and thought leaders to advance the growth and scale of innovation within the province6.

• Strategic Advice and Policy Input: It provides strategic advice to the Government of Alberta on research and innovation policy, leveraging its expertise and partnerships across multiple ministries to inform system-wide strategies and programs15.

• Focus on Emerging Sectors and Technologies: The corporation supports initiatives in alternative energy (e.g., through the Hydrogen Centre of Excellence), clean technology development, and digital health ecosystems. It also works to attract investment and clinical trials to Alberta6.

• Transparency and Accountability: Alberta Innovates is committed to demonstrating the value of public investment in innovation through success stories and performance measures, ensuring transparency to Albertans1.

Operational Structure and Compliance

Alberta Innovates operates under several legislative frameworks, including the Alberta Research and Innovation Act, the Alberta Public Agencies Governance Act, and others like the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. It must also comply with domestic and international trade agreements, such as the New West Partnership Trade Agreement1.

The corporation’s budget is primarily funded through the Ministry of Technology and Innovation, with additional revenue from provincial and federal entities, industry, NGOs, and contract services provided by its subsidiaries6.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Alberta Innovates fosters an innovation ecosystem built on principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), believing that these values enhance the research and innovation landscape and its impact on the province6.

In summary, Alberta Innovates plays a multifaceted role as a funder, collaborator, and strategic advisor, driving innovation across sectors to address Alberta’s economic, environmental, and social challenges while aligning with government priorities and fostering a robust innovation ecosystem.

1. https://albertainnovates.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Alberta-Innovates_roles-and-mandate_march_2017.pdf
2. https://albertainnovates.ca/about/what-we-do/
3. https://albertainnovates.ca/about/governance/
4. https://open.alberta.ca/publications/aria-mandate-and-roles-document
5. https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/7b7887e3-1e22-4074-8f9f-efd673d9c6a1/resource/fdc372e3-3d48-438f-a257-a51e605e1635/download/ariac-mandate-roles.pdf
6. https://albertainnovates.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/AI-BUSINESS-PLAN-2024_WEB.pdf
7. https://albertainnovates.ca/about/what-we-do/corporate-goals/
8. https://albertainnovates.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Industry-Commercialization-Associates-Program-Guide.pdf
9. https://albertainnovates.ca