NCE Network Gives Faculty of Law Global EDGE
The University of Ottawa is living on the “EDGE” – EDGE Network (Emerging, Dynamic, Global Economies) is the newest federally-funded Network of Centres of Excellence (NCE) to be hosted at the university and the first for the Faculty of Law.The EDGE Network is one of five “New Initiatives” funded under the NCE program and has received $800,000 over two years to help secure Canadian success in the rapidly changing world economy.
“The emerging, dynamic economies – particularly China, India and Brazil – are reshaping the global economic landscape in a way not seen since the Industrial Revolution in the19th century,” said Professor Debra Steger of the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law, Director of the EDGE Network.
Highly respected researchers, top-flight companies and business associations will work in collaboration with federal and provincial governments to ensure Canada’s competitiveness in a rapidly transforming global economy.
The key goal of the EDGE Network is to raise the level of informed public debate about the emerging economies, leading to enlightened policy-making, improved global and domestic business strategies, and better knowledge-sharing between academia, industry and government. The NCE funding supports the networking activities of established researchers to develop new partnerships with the business and government communities. Working in partnership with Canadian industry and governments, the Network will help train the next generation of leaders through practical internships and co-op placement programs.
“The EDGE Network brings together experts that address key policy questions related to emerging economies. Such research can substantially contribute to positioning Canada favourably with these countries and the international community,” said Howard Alper, uOttawa Vice President, Research.
EDGE has already established partnerships with 50 major research institutions across Canada and around the world. It will work in collaboration with long-established geographic think tanks such as the Asia Pacific Foundation and the Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute. Executives with some of the biggest names in Canadian business – including BCE, Manulife, Scotiabank, CAE and Pratt & Whitney – have agreed to lend their expertise and support to the Network. International Trade Canada, Export Development Canada, and the Government of British Columbia have also agreed to participate.
The creation of the EDGE Network was announced yesterday by the Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE). EDGE is one of five New Initiatives announced by the Minister in the areas of new economy, advanced design engineering, health, children’s safety and the care of the elderly.
Background:
Networks of Centres of Excellence are unique partnerships among universities, industry, government and not-for-profit organizations aimed at turning Canadian research and entrepreneurial talent into economic and social benefits for all Canadians. An integral part of the federal government's commitment to promoting innovation and competitiveness, these nationwide, multidisciplinary and multisectoral research partnerships connect excellent path-breaking research with industrial know-how and strategic investment.
The NCE program is managed jointly by the three federal granting agencies – the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council – in partnership with Industry Canada.
The University of Ottawa is also home to other NCEs: the Stem Cell Network led by Dr. Michael Rudnicki and the Canadian Stroke Network led by Dr. Antoine Hakim.