Applied Research at the Periphery

Posted on Saturday, June 15th, 2013

The Office of Applied Research and Innovation (ARI) thinks Regionally.

Applied Research Expanding Its Borders
June 2013 marks the genesis of the Rural Economic Research and Development Centre (RERDC), a new “sister centre” to the Office of Applied Research and Innovation.

The RERDC is a joint initiative between the Perth and Pembroke campuses located in Renfrew County and Lanark County respectively, and supported by the resources of its main campus in Ottawa.

From Urban Centre to Regional Periphery
Stemming from the increasing awareness of the importance of local-level economies in a post post-modern day-and-age, the RERDC will function as a focal point for spurring innovation in the for-profit sectors in Renfrew and Lanark Counties.

Our main goals will be to stimulate economic growth and assist business enterprises with creating jobs that will enhance the sustainability of our regions well into the future.

Enhancing Regional Applied Education and Training
Not only will the RERDC contribute to local-level community economic development in areas outside the Nation’s Capital, it will also offer students at the Pembroke and Perth campuses the opportunity to participate in applied education and training with employers in Renfrew County and Lanark County.

This will undoubtedly enhance student knowledge and skill levels, and connect students with local employers to build a stronger, more cohesive community, hopefully creating space for new ideas, opportunities, and markets.

The Road Ahead
So what’s next for the RERDC?

Our main objective is to secure a diversity of applied research projects representing various sectors within both Counties with the hopes of creating, or, in the very least influencing, markets that are current, resilient, tactile and adaptable within an ever-changing world.

Currently, we are working on community outreach initiatives with local business, industry, and organizations as well as on project development for fall/winter 2013-2014.

We envision a successful year that will assist in supporting student learning, community prosperity, and community capacity as we move forward and develop innovative products, programs, and services for both regions. This, we hope, will allow the RERDC to continue its work in the years to come.

We will be sure to keep everyone posted on our progress along the way!

Many thanks!

Julie Sylvestre
Project Officer, Applied Research/Rural Economic Research and Development Centre

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