How to Overcome Canada’s Innovation Paradox
This op-ed was originally published by TheFutureEconomy on August 28, 2023. Canada has an innovation problem, and without a significant, continuous, and…
Alain Francq
Managing Director, Research & Strategic Partnerships
About
Alain Francq is Managing Director, Research and Strategic Partnerships, at Signal49 Research. He leads the organization’s research growth and partnership strategy, working across knowledge areas to shape high-impact initiatives and build relationships with government, industry, and funding partners. Alain oversees major funding and partnership development efforts and helps advance complex, multi-stakeholder research opportunities. He translates emerging policy and funding trends into clear strategic direction that supports long-term growth and aligns research priorities with organizational goals.
Alain brings 25 years of experience in corporate and public-sector roles, including senior positions in Canada’s innovation and technology ecosystem. He has helped Canadian companies introduce and scale innovations in chemistry, advanced materials, and opto-electronics into new products and emerging markets. He has also taught marketing at Wilfrid Laurier University and served on the boards of non-profit industry-academic organizations that promote research and emerging technology development.
Employment History
- Director, Innovation and Technology, The Conference Board of Canada
- Senior Director, Government Affairs, OTTO
- Senior Advisor, Applied Research, Conestoga College
- Managing Director, Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo
Academic Background
- Master of Business Administration, Wilfrid Laurier University
- Bachelor of Science (Honours), University of Waterloo
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