Canada, China and Israel Launch Novel Trilateral R&D Program in Agricultural Technologies

Building on the outcomes of initial meetings in Yangling, China, and Ottawa, Canada, CIIRDF, International Science and Technology Partnerships Canada (ISTPCanada) and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), together with partners in China and Israel, are leading the development of a new trilateral model of collaborative R&D in agriculture. 

This multilateral initiative brings together Canada, China and Israel in the first three-way agreement of its kind, enabling companies and researchers to capitalize on the complementary expertise, resources and market opportunity within the three nations. The power of this collective will be realized through a trilateral cooperation program that is an innovation in its own right. 

This program is already beginning to: 

• Connect companies and researchers from across the three countries in different ways;  
• Support the collaborative development, commercialization and adoption of new technologies in agriculture and agri-food; and ultimately
• Accelerate innovation and commerce cross this vital sector of the global economy. 

Within the context of this multilateral initiative, and in support of these goals, leaders from CIIRDF, ISTPCanada, AAFC and the Yangling Administrative Committee are discussing the development of a Yangling-Canada-Israel Incubator Office.  The proposed incubator would be based in the Yangling High Tech Demonstration Zone, and deliver mutual benefit to all three countries. 

Benefits to Canada, Israel – and Other Countries around the World

As a highly regulated economy, China is a challenging market for globally-based corporations to penetrate.  The incubator would help to facilitate linkages and connections that enable Canadian and Israeli companies to establish new in-roads and direct entry points into the Chinese market.  The proposed Yangling-Canada(-Israel) Incubator Office would help these firms to find research/business partners; manage issues related to capital (including land and facilities); financial, IP management and human resource management; sales and marketing; and the import/export of raw materials and equipment.  This knowledge and facilitated access promises to help stimulate technology partnerships, unearth new commercial opportunities, and drive sustainable trade with China. 

A Template for International S&T Cooperation

Highly strategic for Canada, Israel and China, this trilateral initiative breaks new ground by creating a potential template for international S&T cooperation with other nations around the world.  This novel multilateral approach could be replicated in other sectors, and with other target partners. For example, it could be employed in Europe, Asia, South America and Australia to further increase commercial opportunity for Canadian and Israeli firms. 

For additional information on this Trilateral R&D Program, please contact: Tomoko Nishino, CIIRDF Program Manager, at: tomoko@ciirdf.ca