Research, Technology and Innovation

British Columbia Knowledge Development Fund

• Appendix 1
• Appendix 2
• Appendix 3

Appendix 1 - Provincial Review Criteria - Updated November 2004

Definitions

High quality researchers for the purposes of the B.C. Knowledge Development Fund will be defined as researchers who:

• Conduct research of a nature such that the outcomes can potentially lead to advances in a wide range of applications and foster further lines of investigation.
• Conduct excellent research in a highly innovative and creative manner.
• Have a track record such that other people are taking their research results and building on them - a significant record measured by a combination of:
  • Patents and copyrights.
  • Awards and citations.
  • Licensing and commercialization activities.
  • Significant contributions to research (articles, monographs, books, technology transfer, other forms of research output).
  • Other activities, such as research training, consulting, contributions to professional practice or public policy, and membership on committees, boards, or policy-making bodies.

Operationalization of the Guidelines

(a) Economic benefits - indirect, medium term:

• amount of research to be conducted that will be directed to adding value and enhancing competitiveness relative to the British Columbia economy, such as the enhancement or improvement of aquacultural and silvicultural techniques used to increase production;
• amount of research that will be directed to developing a new or improved product, process or service that is of direct benefit to British Columbia;
• potential for spinoff companies in related areas and degree to which research may lead to a "patentable" product or process with strong commercial potential;
• potential for the future creation of additional employment in British Columbia; and
• degree of industry involvement and collaboration with the research to be conducted in the facility as indicated by either:
  • direct industry funding of research; or
  • industry in-kind contributions (i.e. use of equipment, facilities, personnel, material, etc.) to research; or
  • record or history of placement of graduates in British Columbia-based companies.

(b) Economic benefits - direct, immediate:

• direct job creation in project construction/installation or commercial potential arising from the design and production of research equipment in British Columbia; and
• job creation for new researchers, technicians, support staff and graduate students.

(c) "Public good" research with economic or financial benefits to the province:

• degree to which the research contributes to reduced cost of public intervention and mitigation (e.g., reduced incidence/cost of treating silicosis in miners, reduced damage due to oil/chemical spills, etc.); and
• degree to which research to be carried out focuses directly on a specific "problem."

Ranking according to:

• degree/commonality of problem;
• importance or scope of problem; and
• timeline to measurable effect.

(d) Health benefit:

• degree to which research contributes to reduced mortality and morbidity (reduces cost to health-care system and to employers for sick time);
• potential for the research to lead to health-care solutions; and
• degree to which research may lead to improved quality of life.

Ranking according to:

• incidence of disease or health problem in the population relative to the cost of the project; and
• timeline to cure or useful solution.

• Need to demonstrate how the modernization/acquisition and development of the research infrastructure will enhance the quality, depth and capacity of the research.

• significant financial (or in-kind) contribution by industry to the project;
• number and scope of joint research activities between post-secondary institutions and industry specifically facilitated by this project;
• for health projects, the number and scope of joint research activities between the post-secondary institution and health-care organizations; and
• number and scope of joint research activities with other post-secondary institutions specifically facilitated by this project.

• Will the resultant research infrastructure be of sufficient quality (i.e., up-to-date, complete, etc.) to positively influence a decision to locate or remain in British Columbia (in comparison with similar research infrastructure located outside of British Columbia)?

• approved for CFI funding;
• commitment of substantial private-sector funding (minimum of 20 per cent of total project funding);
• high-quality researchers involved in the research to be conducted; and
• researchers’ track record for successfully accessing private and public research funding.