Applied Research & Innovation

The Office of Applied Research and Innovation is responsible for catalyzing innovative new technology and research projects linking expertise and capacity at RDC with partners in the community from both the private and public sectors. We facilitate both “industry-in” and “inventor-out” opportunities, linking with RDC programs across departments and disciplines.

The office also operates the Centre for Innovation in Manufacturing, and for the facilitation and execution of research/demonstration projects. The Office also develops applications and negotiates funding and contract agreements for applied research projects with Government departments, funding agencies and private industry.

For a schematic of the role of colleges play in the applied research agenda in Canada, click here.

In addition to directing the activities of the Centre, the Office is involved in building the capacity of RDC through its Faculty, Staff and Partners to engage in applied research and innovation projects, training programs and systems development. This includes maintaining and growing strong connections with other research agencies, post-secondary institutions and private sector companies in Canada and abroad.

RDC is also active in several areas of research, including several projects in Community Health Innovation in collaboration with the local health authority and health care providers. As well, Sandra MacDougall’s work with wildlife and collision avoidance continues to aid in policy and process improvements across Canada.

We also collaborate with local industry through the Central Alberta Regional Innovation Network (CARIN) a collaboration with the Central Alberta Rural Manufacturers Association. The goal of this initiative is to seek opportunities to support companies and find ways to work with companies to develop new innovations and adapt new technologies to build both their future success and to linkages with students and expertise at RDC. Through prototyping new innovations, together we aim to catalyze new business opportunities for the community and region.

If you have any questions about Applied Research and Innovation at RDC, please contact us:

Eric Kokko
Director
t: 403.343.4070 | e: eric.kokko@rdc.ab.ca

Alicia Cafferata-Arnett
Project Coordinator
t: 403.357.3662 | e: alicia.cafferata@rdc.ab.ca

Mark Burggren
Central Alberta Regional Innovation Network (CARIN) Coordinator
t: 403.342.3589 | e: mburggren@hotmail.com

Scott Oddie
Rural Health Research Chair
t: 403.342.3310 | e: scott.oddie@rdc.ab.ca