Overview
Since its establishment in 1921, the Alberta Research Council (ARC) has undertaken leading-edge research and transferred the results into practice for the benefit of people in Alberta and beyond. ARC recognizes the importance of seeking out new research prospects that are important to Albertans and continues to explore opportunities for future long-term development.
Researching today's issues to meet tomorrow's needs
ARC will work with representatives of industry and government to identify and define issues where ARC can strengthen its role as a strategic agent for economic development across Alberta. We will forecast major research needs and opportunities that can be addressed by ARC. The work is aimed at meeting Alberta's needs, taking into account national and global trends.
These trends include:
- the increased need for clean, reliable energy, food and water
- the need for improved quality of life (especially for the growing number of elderly persons)
- the need for enhanced employment opportunities
- economic growth and services
- the need for better decision making processes related to the environment
A two-step process
The process for evaluating the potential for long-term investment of a research project is divided into two stages:
- Foresight
- Flagships
Carefully evaluating an idea to gauge its long-term potential for the benefit of Albertans will move an idea from the conceptual stage on to the next step, which is the foresight process.
ARC hires first chair of foresight
In January 2008, ARC welcomed Dr. Axel Meisen as our first chair of foresight. Bringing to the organization diverse international experience, Axel will be responsible for the conceptualization of research plans, identification of funding sources, establishment of partnerships and ways of translating research outcomes into practice.