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Research and development personnel
Archived Content
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There were 226,250 full-time personnel engaged in research and development (R&D) activities in Canada in 2006, up 4.2% from 2005. Between 1997 and 2006, this number increased by 55.3%.
Researchers accounted for 62% of total R&D personnel, while technicians comprised 25% and support staff 13%.
The business enterprise sector employed the majority of R&D personnel in Canada. In 2006, 66% of R&D personnel were employed by business enterprises, followed by 25% in the higher education sector and 8% in government (combined federal and provincial).
The vast majority (90%) of the increase in R&D personnel from 2005 to 2006 occurred in the business enterprise sector. Technicians accounted for over half (56%) of the 9,060 additional R&D personnel in 2006.
Ontario and Quebec have the largest number of R&D personnel in Canada. In 2006, just over three-quarters of total R&D personnel were located in Ontario (45%) and Quebec (31%). The majority of the remaining R&D personnel worked in British Columbia (9%) and Alberta (7%).
Definitions, data sources and methods: survey numbers, including related surveys, 4201, 4204, 4208, 4209, 4210, 4212 and 5109.
The service bulletin Science Statistics, Vol. 33, no. 3 (88-001-X, free) is now available from the Publications module of our website.
For more detailed information, or to enquire about the methods, concepts or data quality of this release, contact Michael Lynch (613-951-2201; michael.lynch@statcan.gc.ca) or Cindy Carter (613-951-1856; cindy.carter@statcan.gc.ca), Business Special Surveys and Technology Statistics Division.
