Innovation Superclusters Initiative: Economic analysis

1.0 PURPOSE

The department of ISED requires services to conduct business and specialized economic analysis for project-specific outputs and outcomes related to activities undertaken by recipients of Innovation Superclusters Initiative (ISI) funding. The services will be required for a period commencing from contract award to March 31, 2024.

2.0 TITLE OF PROJECT

Innovation Superclusters Initiative: Economic analysis.

3.0 BACKGROUND

ISED’s mission is to foster a growing, competitive, knowledge-based economy. The Department aims to assist in making Canadian industry more productive and competitive in the global economy, thus improving the economic and social well-being of Canadians. To support its mandate, the Department carries out many program activities. The department develops and implements policies and initiatives to encourage innovation, enhance competitiveness, and promote growth in Canada’s industries.

In Budget 2017, the Government of Canada committed $950M over five years, starting in 2017-2018, in support of a small number of business-led innovation “superclusters” that have the greatest potential to accelerate economic growth. Investing in superclusters and the development of platform technologies will boost Canada’s competitiveness and increase productivity in key sectors such as advanced manufacturing, agri-food, clean technology, digital technology, health/bio-sciences, clean resources, as well as transportation and infrastructure, fostering greater collaboration between businesses and creating new domestic and international business opportunities for them through integrated supply chains. The new program through which these funds will be made accessible, the ISI, launched in Spring 2017.

4.0 PROJECT REQUIREMENTS/OBJECTIVES

Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) requires business and specialized economic analysis for project-specific outputs and outcomes related to activities undertaken by recipients of Innovation Superclusters Initiative (ISI) funding. This will include providing an common approach to analysis, business intelligence, evidence, and advice on the current and potential achievements of Canada’s five selected superclusters, as well as on the benefits, as presented by the participants to the ISI. Services will be requested on an “as needed basis” in a period commencing from contract award to March 31, 2024.

The Contractor must be able to work under tight timelines, and be highly responsive to ISI’s requests in undertaking the following project requirements:

1. Development of methodology (delivery one month following contract signature)
   1. Initial methodology for research, analysis and reporting on the creation of economic growth in Canada as it relates to the ISI
   2. Finalized methodology for research, analysis and reporting on the creation of economic growth in Canada as it relates to the ISI
2. Analysis of full reports received in the context of the program, for the purpose of providing economic projections based on the technology promise and economic benefits of Supercluster Activities. Specific objectives will include (semi-annually – mid-year and year-end):
   1. Qualitative and quantitative assessment as described in Topics section below

The Contractor must be able to complete all tasks and deliverables within the timelines provided. The Contractor will review project-specific material to be supplied by ISI and it will provide expert analysis and business intelligence to ISED. It is anticipated that the work the analysis would be carried out on a semi-annual basis with fixed deliverables.