Why Canada and California?

The Canada-California Strategic Innovation Partnership (CCSIP) is founded on a powerful vision and a strong business case. It is bilateral RD&D initiative that:

Builds on a well-established relationship
Capitalizes on complementarities
Leverages science and technology expertise
Addresses common priorities and challenges

Builds on a well-established relationship :

In 2008:

Bilateral merchandise trade between Canada and California was valued at $35 billion, with Canada representing California's second largest trade partner.
832,250 California jobs are supported by Canada–U.S. trade
Canadians made more than 1,258,900 visits to California, spending $1.1 billion
California residents made 811,800 visits to Canada, spending $540 million

Capitalizes on complementarities:

CCSIP leverages some common cultural attributes, from demonstrated commitment to research excellence, to economic and policy development approaches and language; these synergies enable Canadians and Californians to work effectively together.
It provides a solid foundation for innovators to exploit new ideas, approaches and technologies; accelerate delivery; and create first mover advantage in the market.

Leverages science and technology expertise:

CCSIP harnesses the power of brilliant minds, research resources and federally-funded laboratories on both sides of the border.
For example, California is home to over 100 Nobel Laureates, while Canadian researchers are at the forefront of important scientific developments in many fields of inquiry, ranking first in the G-7 in the number of publications produced on a per-capita basis
It creates the opportunity to tap the expertise of research leaders -as well as those scientists and innovators who participate in their network; to engage in multidisciplinary projects that push the boundaries of science; and to access millions of dollars worth of world-class infrastructure at labs across California and California.

Addresses common priorities and challenges:

Focuses on public policy priorities, including climate change; environment; and human health
Mobilizes decision makers at the state, provincial and federal level to collaborate, take action on, and invest in the development of solutions that promise to deliver economic and social benefits to citizens, for example:
Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine: Cancer Stem Cell Research
Clean Energy: Carbon Capture and Sequestration