Our Strategy

On May 1, 2025, Research Nova Scotia (RNS) received a new mandate from the province. RNS supports, organizes and coordinates the funding of research to increase economic growth and productivity in three priority sectors – (1) natural resources, climate change and clean energy; (2) life sciences and health sciences; and (3) construction and transportation – while growing the Province’s research capacity and supporting Nova Scotia’s research community. To deliver this mandate, RNS has developed a new strategic plan to describe how we will support these priorities.

Research Nova Scotia Strategy (2025-2030)

Our Strategy

At Research Nova Scotia, we believe research is essential to building a strong, resilient economy. Our strategy is designed to deliver measurable economic and social impact across Nova Scotia from 2025 to 2030.

VISION

Research delivering economic prosperity for Nova Scotia.

MISSION

Building a strong economy through research that enables growth, productivity, profitability and competitiveness for the end users of research.

OBJECTIVES

  1. Support, organize and coordinate the funding of research
  2. Increase research capacity in the province
  3. Support the research community of Nova Scotia

FOCUSED ECONOMIC OUTCOMES

We will invest in research that achieves these outcomes:

  1. Increase technology development, uptake and use
  2. Increase knowledge and innovation diffusion into industry
  3. Increase investment in tradable sectors and expand exports
  4. Enhance commercialization of research, including retention and deployment of Nova Scotia Intellectual Property (IP) in the province
  5. Increase the number of highly qualified personnel (HQP) employed in Nova Scotia
  6. Increase investment in research and development in key sectors
  7. Increase to provincial GDP

Learn more about RNS’s economic outcomes ->

PRIORITY SECTORS

Aligned with the Government of Nova Scotia’s economic agenda, our strategy gives special focus to three key sectors:

  1. Natural resources, climate change and clean energy
  2. Life sciences and health sciences
  3. Construction and transportation
NATURAL RESOURCES, CLIMATE CHANGE AND CLEAN ENERGYLIFE SCIENCES AND HEALTH SCIENCECONSTRUCTION AND TRANSPORTATION
Driving sustainable resource use, clean energy innovation, and environmental resilience.Advancing human, animal, and plant health through innovation and applied research.Building smarter, stronger infrastructure and mobility systems for a growing Nova Scotia.
Key Themes: clean tech, circular economy, critical minerals, energy storageKey Themes: medical technology, bioprocesses, AI in care, food securityKey Themes: sustainable materials, digital networks, smart construction
Resources: Climate Plan, Critical MineralsResources: Action for Health, Food & BeverageResources: Action for Housing, Transportation Plan
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RNS DEFINITION OF RESEARCH

RNS defines research as the systematic pursuit of new knowledge, understanding, or technology through the application of scientific methods that contributes to economic, environmental, or social outcomes. It includes both the creation of new knowledge and the practical application of existing knowledge to solve real-world challenges. The research RNS supports must demonstrate a clear pathway to impact – showing how results will be used by end users to drive measurable change in Nova Scotia.

Learn more about RNS’s definition of research ->

HOW WE INVEST & OPERATE

RNS funds research through two complementary investment vehicles:

  1. Focused Research Investments (FRI) – longer-term, higher-value research programs aimed at sector-building outcomes.
  2. Ear to the Ground (E2G) Research Investments – shorter-term, more agile projects responsive to emerging needs and opportunities.

Each proposal is assessed for its potential to create measurable economic outcomes, engage end users, and contribute to a stronger, more resilient Nova Scotia.

Research must be designed to achieve the outcomes within the priority areas identified by the Minister of Advanced Education.

We will invest in research where:

  • the needs of end users (or prospective end users) can be articulated as a clear outcome;
  • research is required to unlock value;
  • those who are expected to benefit from the research are active and evident participants in shaping the proposed work, and;
  • monitoring and management can establish a convincing connection between the investment and measurable changes in economic outcomes over the long term.

ACCOUNTABILITY

As an independent non-profit corporation, RNS is accountable for the sound investment of the public funds entrusted by the provincial government. All RNS funding opportunities and their assessment criteria will be public. RNS will publicly report twice per year on the recipients and purpose of every dollar spent.

TIMELINE & INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO

This strategic plan sets our direction for 2025-2030. We are working with an annual funding envelope of approximately $10 million for research investment.

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