Aerospace sector leads Canadian manufacturers in innovation, exports

The “2017 State of Canada’s Aerospace Industry Report,” which was recently released by the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC) and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), states that the aerospace industry is Canada’s most innovative manufacturing sector, leading manufacturers in R&D investment and posting nearly 30 per cent of the sector’s R&D investments in 2016.

Canadian aerospace also is strongly integrated into global supply chains and a major player in the international aerospace market.

Key findings in the Canadian aerospace sector report include:

• The industry contributed nearly $28 billion to the country’s GDP and 208,000 jobs to the Canadian economy in 2016.
• Aerospace manufacturing was the No. 1 R&D investor across all manufacturing industries.
• Canada ranks in the top three globally for the production of civil aircraft, helicopters, engines, and flight simulators.
• Canadian aerospace outpaces the national manufacturing average in the use of all four major types of innovation practices: product, process, organizational, and marketing innovation.
• Aerospace companies collaborate significantly more with industry, academia, and government than the Canadian manufacturing industry average.

“Innovation has made Canada a global aerospace industry leader and a natural home for aerospace investment,” said Navdeep Bains, minister of innovation, science, and economic development. “This report, made in collaboration between the government of Canada and industry, provides a valuable fact base for understanding the trends and economic contribution of the Canadian aerospace industry. Insights like these help the government implement the Innovation and Skills Plan, which will ensure that Canadians have the right skills for the economy of today and tomorrow.”

“The aerospace industry is the poster child for innovation leadership in Canada,” said Jim Quick, president and CEO of AIAC. “It is collaborative, globally integrated, and a best-in-class creator of high-value jobs and opportunity for Canadians all across the country. As government implements its plan to foster prosperity for Canada’s middle class through innovative businesses and sectors, the aerospace industry can and will lead the way.”