Province replaces Research and Development Corporation with InnovateNL
The Newfoundland and Labrador government announced Thursday that it is changing its approach to innovation and growth, replacing a Crown corporation with a new group called InnovateNL.
The group, with a whole new board of directors, will deliver programs and services in "a seamless and more efficient manner," according to a news release announcing the change.
All funding programs and services previously run by the provincial Research & Development Corporation will be integrated into the Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation.
According to the department, there will be no changes to programs already funded. The changeover is expected to be completed by mid-fall.
The government said it is responding to feedback it received in November 2016 consultations, where participants asked for "one-stop shopping" for advice, services and links to capital.
Businessman Mark Dobbin will chair the 11-member InnovateNL council for a two-year term, while the CEO will be the deputy minister of tourism, culture, industry and innovation.
Sudden changes bring 'confusion': PCs
The Research & Development Corporation, created by the Progressive Conservatives in 2009, provided funding for business, academic research and students.
According to its 2016-17 report, it had committed $141 million to support 799 projects.
The "sudden changes" announced Thursday will bring "confusion" according to the PC innovation critic, Steve Kent.
"The Ball Liberals are bringing the arm's-length Research & Development Corporation under departmental control in a sudden midsummer policy lurch that is raising concerns for the province's innovation economy and millions in leveraged industry investments," said Kent in a statement.
"A cloud of uncertainty is the last thing proponents need when choosing where to invest and with whom to partner," he said.
