Business research and development expenditures in environmental and clean technology products, 2022 and 2023

The Annual Survey of Research and Development in Canadian Industry (RDCI) collects research and development (R&D) expenditure and personnel data used to monitor science- and technology-related activities of businesses and industrial non-profit organizations in Canada, according to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS).

The survey includes a module focusing on environmental and clean technology products to capture in-house R&D activity, which is not covered in the Annual Environmental Protection Expenditures Survey (EPES).

Estimates on R&D activities related to environmental protection and clean technology products are computed by NAICS code and geographic region, based on the most recent classification information for the statistical entity and the survey reference period.

Users are cautioned that estimates presented in table 38-10-0180-01 were generated using a different methodological approach than those produced for similar tables in the RDCI. As a result, comparisons between table 38-10-0180-01 and RDCI tables should be made with caution.

Definitions

In-house research and development expenditures: Expenditures within Canada for R&D performed within the company by employees (permanent, temporary or casual) and self-employed individuals working on site on the company's R&D projects.

Environmental and clean technology product: Any process, product or service that reduces environmental impacts through environmental protection activities that prevent, reduce or eliminate pollution or any other degradation of the environment; resource management activities that result in the more efficient use of natural resources, thus safeguarding against their depletion; or the use of goods that have been adapted to be significantly less energy or resource intensive than the industry standard.

For information on the EPES, see the Annual Environmental Protection Expenditures Survey page.

For information on the RDCI, see the Annual Survey of Research and Development in Canadian Industry page.