Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative (SADI)

Canada's aerospace, defence, space and security (A&D) industries are major contributors to the national economy. In 2008, the aerospace sector alone had sales of $23.6 billion and employed 80 000 Canadians across the country.

A&D industries are also knowledge-intensive, a boon in today's global knowledge economy. They are Canada's third largest investor in research and development (R&D), accounting for 11 percent of all industrial R&D. Through R&D, A&D industries develop technological breakthroughs such as robotics and new lightweight materials, and remain important first users of enabling technologies- new technologies, like nanotechnology and advanced manufacturing.

By providing repayable contributions to A&D companies, the government helps to ensure that Canadian A&D companies undertake strategic R&D and that Canadians will benefit from these investments.

Supporting R&D in these industries also means Canada can encourage leading international A&D companies to do business here, retaining and increasing foreign investment. At the same time, Canada becomes very attractive to top scientific and engineering talent in cutting-edge A&D industries.

Globally, Canadian A&D companies dominate several markets, including:

• simulators (80 percent)
• landing gears (60 percent)
• aircraft environmental systems (60 percent).

Helping to fund strategic R&D projects of A&D companies ensures that additional private sector R&D funds are leveraged. Currently, Canadian private sector investment in R&D lags behind that of other OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries.

All Canadians benefit from R&D

The Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative (SADI) will benefit Canadians in numerous ways.

Technologically, we'll see new materials, new information technologies and other innovations evolve. Regional diversification and economic development will energize an already healthy economy. Reduced greenhouse gas emissions and other new energy efficiencies will greatly help the environment, and safety, security and defence measures will be improved. This will all help to enhance the quality of life for Canadians, and provide value for money.

These benefits will be measured both during the lifespan of the project and once SADI contributions end.

Benefits will vary, depending on each of the projects approved under SADI. However, individual Canadians and companies stand to inherit new skills, knowledge and capabilities. New or improved technologies are also likely to come to the fore, benefiting suppliers who have participated in the project. See what SADI has to offer in the Program Overview section.

Working Together, Creating Opportunities for Success

Collaborative R&D comes in many forms.

SADI strongly supports R&D projects by companies entered into partnerships with academia and/or research institutions belonging to post-secondary institutions.

SADI also supports companies undertaking R&D with collaboration at the international level, which contributes to a highly skilled and knowledge-based workforce performing innovative research right here in Canada.