Joint statement - On the occasion of the 27^th Joint commission meeting (JCM) on Science, Technology and Innovation in Ottawa 30-31 May 2023

On May 30-31, 2023, representatives of the Canadian and German governments, along with members of their respective research and innovation communities, met in Ottawa, Canada for the 27^th joint commission meeting (JCM) on science, technology and innovation.

The meeting provided a platform to exchange ideas and perspectives on how to further strengthen bilateral ties in science, technology and innovation. The discussions were held in a hybrid format to facilitate robust participation from both countries, including from national and sub-national governments, academic institutions and other leading research organizations.

Quotes

Geneviève Tanguay, Vice-President Emerging Technologies, National Research Council (NRC)

“Canada and Germany are natural partners. We both respect and value democracy, diversity and human rights; we both champion science and innovation as critical to solving our most pressing challenges; and we are both committed to a green energy transition and to emerging technologies that will create sustainable, resilient and robust economic opportunities for all. Over two days, key players from both countries discussed and agreed on steps to develop new joint initiatives in a number of critical sectors for research and innovation, including new mechanisms for collaboration on quantum research, Arctic and marine science, green energy and social sciences.

Given the caliber of both countries’ research and talent, we cannot think of a better partnership on science, technology and innovation. Bilateral collaboration helps us tackle urgent challenges facing our societies to foster a safe, sustainable and prosperous future for the generations to follow.”

Armin Reinartz, Director General, European and International Cooperation, German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).

“Now more than ever, with pressing challenges and geopolitical uncertainties, it is good to have a trusted friend and partner like Canada. Since we signed our formal cooperation agreement in 1971, our close partnership on science and technology spans more than half a century. The lively discussions over the last two days have proven once again that Canada and Germany share the same views about the role that science and innovation play for the future. We touched upon key technologies that underpin our sovereignty such as quantum and energy technologies, we discussed non-technological research aspects that contribute to the coherence of society, and we agreed to strengthen cooperation in energy research and Arctic and marine research to fight climate change.

Furthermore, we will strengthen our ties on the EU level, and we intend to pursue the joint presidency of the world's largest public network for international research and innovation, Eureka, in 2024/2025.

I’m deeply convinced, that together, Canada and Germany, can make a real difference when it comes to world class research and innovation that will help us to address the challenges ahead of us”

During the last two days, we agreed on paths forward in areas that are of mutual interest such as quantum technologies, Arctic and marine research as well as green energy. We have agreed on concrete follow up activities including workshops and working level meetings. These activities will help to develop new joint initiatives, such as joint bilateral calls for proposals, in the coming months. We stressed the importance of continuing to foster the mobility of talent, including researchers, between our nations. We reviewed the strong engagement of our researchers and innovators in European and multilateral frameworks such as Horizon Europe and Eureka, and announced intent to explore jointly chairing the Eureka Council in 2024-25.

To maximize the full potential of our bilateral relationship we unanimously agreed to prioritize equity, diversity and inclusion in all joint activities with a view to not only including, but championing the talent and contributions from all societal groups. We agreed to examine new opportunities to involve our respective governments, academic and industrial research sectors, working together, in future activities to maximize the potential for new discoveries and innovation. We also underscored the importance of balancing open science with appropriate research security.