Summary of the Evaluation of the Canadian International Innovation Program

The evaluation examined the Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP) between 2015/16 and 2018/19. The evaluation was conducted by the Diplomacy, Trade and Corporate Evaluation Division (PRE) between February and December 2019, and relies on interview data, survey data, project data and a document review.

The evaluation focused on the following issues:

• The achievement of results
• Client experience
• The efficiency and effectiveness of governance structures and management mechanisms
• The relevance of geographic focus
• Coherence with Departmental and Government of Canada priorities and initiatives
• Relevance of the program for partner countries

Key Findings

• The Partnership Development Activities (PDAs) of the CIIP were successful at increasing awareness of Canadian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) about collaborative research and development (R&D) opportunities abroad and also led to business opportunities.
• While the CIIP is not focused on the countries with the highest innovation potential, the current geographic focus of the program remains relevant to Canada’s commercial interests and trade priorities. 
• Although a direct comparison of the CIIP delivery models, between the National Research Council – Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP) and the Canada-Israel Industrial Research and Development Foundation (CIIRDF) is difficult due to differences in nature, scale and resources, NRC-IRAP was found to have unique advantages over CIIRDF.
• The evaluation found that while the current CIIP Steering committee is generally efficient and effective at supporting the delivery of the program, broader questions remain about the coordination of international innovation activities between relevant Government of Canada (GoC) stakeholders.
• The current funding levels of the CIIP, which remain unchanged since 2005, are reducing the program’s relevance for foreign counterparts, and not meeting the needs of Canadian companies. Similar programs by like-minded countries are larger than the CIIP, and have fewer restrictions on eligibility.

Recommendations

1. It is recommended that the Investment and Innovation Bureau (BID) expand membership of the CIIP Steering Committee to ensure effective coordination of the program with other GoC international innovation activities.
2. It is recommended that BID conduct a periodic review of the geographic focus of the CIIP, that considers both Canadian commercial interests and innovation potential in partner countries.
3. It is recommended that GAC continue organizing regular PDAs in countries of focus, and consider expanding the PDA model to other countries with which Canada has an ST&I agreement.
4. It is recommended that GAC engage the Israel Innovation Authority to find mutually acceptable solutions to ongoing CIIRDF issues related to administrative costs, financial management, and performance measurement and reporting.