Nov 25 2010
The Canadian Plastics Industry Association (CPIA) is hosting another ground-breaking Plastics Innovation Forum on Nov. 29, 2010 in Richmond, BC.
The forums involve professors outlining their work in applied research areas, aimed at assisting the Canadian plastics industry by advancing product and process innovation.
CPIA strives to foster innovation, job creation and realization of the Canadian plastics industry's full strategic potential, leveraging the successful outcome proven with these Plastics Innovation Forums.
Canada's plastics industry employs approximately 110,000 people within 3350 firms. Most of these firms are small and medium-sized, without the critical mass necessary to justify dedicated research and development departments. However, Canadian plastics firms have successfully developed certain technologically advanced products and processes, which can be attributed to the highly skilled plastic workforce in the country.
As manufacturing of some commodity products migrates to low-cost countries, the plastics industry business model must become increasingly founded on innovation in order for the industry to remain healthy. "There is a wealth of applied R&D activity occurring within academia in Canada, which can be utilized by the Canadian plastics industry." commented Dr. John Vlachopoulos, Professor Emeritus, Department of Chemical Engineering, McMaster University.
To facilitate the effective communication of academic applied research germane to Canada's plastics industry, including the identification of the unmet needs and opportunities of the industry, CPIA has developed Plastics Innovation Forums. The forums are designed to bring researchers from universities into contact with plastics industry counterparts to seek functional fits, creating joint applied research projects of value to both parties. Attendees will also hear from NSERC about its new Engage Grant Program, which provides up to $25,000 for collaborative innovation projects, as well as EDC about sources of financing for growth and exports.
"There is significant potential for several joint undertakings by academia and industry as a result of the forums." commented Mark Badger, President and CEO, CPIA, noting that "CPIA has been contacted by several professors and corporations interested in the innovation forum concept". Specifically, technology license agreements, joint development undertakings and fee for service contracts are the desired outcomes, in combination with enhancing the competitiveness of the Canadian plastics industry.