Read the report: U15 Canada – Developing Talent
Introduction
People are the cornerstone of an innovative and productive economy, now more than ever. Economic competitiveness increasingly relies on a country’s ability to develop, attract, and retain highly qualified talent. As the global race for talent intensifies, countries are vying to secure the right people to drive innovation, boost productivity, and support R&D-intensive sectors like advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and clean energy.
In this changing world, Canada is falling behind. A talent gap is widening between Canada and other advanced economies. Without a strong pool of highly qualified talent, Canada is lagging in innovation and economic growth.
Canada’s leading research universities are pivotal in closing this gap. They not only provide advanced education but also serve as hubs for hands-on collaboration with industry, healthcare providers, and innovators.
U15 universities develop the next generation of skilled professionals through graduate programs, research assistantships, and partnerships with industry, preparing highly qualified talent to lead in established and emerging fields. In doing so, U15 universities support Canada’s innovation ecosystem and help bridge the country’s talent and skills gap.
Prioritizing talent development, expanding graduate education, strengthening university-industry partnerships, and attracting global talent will help reverse Canada’s current trajectory. Investing in highly skilled talent will empower Canadian firms to innovate, commercialize groundbreaking solutions, and position Canada as a leader in the global knowledge economy. By nurturing and attracting top talent, Canada can build a resilient and competitive innovation ecosystem that drives long-term prosperity on the world stage.