Innovation clusters and hubs often grow around specific industries. In The Next Silicon Valley, we frequently explore what makes particular locations strong in specific industry sectors. In this article we take a look at the innovation ecosystem in Canada’s aerospace sector, since this is one of the most important contributors to its economy, delivering CAD$29 billion in GDP and CAD$27.7 billion in annual revenues, and with CAD$1.8 billion in annual R&D spending across five clusters.
Innovation in aerospace, space and defence is a major focus of various research institutes and organizations in Canada, including the University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies, Carleton Aerospace, the National Research Council and Centre for Aerospace Technology and Training, and the Consortium for Aerospace Research and Innovation in Canada (CARIC). In terms of technology and innovation programs, there are projects like the Coalition for Greener Aircraft, which is funding research and projects looking at aircraft composite fuselage structures, landing gear of the future, and integrated avionics for the cockpit.