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An investment is judged by the quality and magnitude of its returns.
By this standard, Canada's investment in its NCEs is worthwhile,
indeed. Here are some notable examples from industry:
- The Canadian Bacterial Diseases Network has developed a new vaccine
that could keep cattle healthier, thus saving North America's
beef industry millions of dollars every year.
- A Micronet and McGill University spin-off company expects revenues from its new test equipment to more than triple by 2005. The new equipment will contribute to lower costs for microchip-based products.
- A protein biosensor, the result of a research program funded by the Protein Engineering Network, is being commercialized for pharmaceutical research. This technology will help speed the development of new drugs for a broad spectrum of medical disorders.
NCEs also bring intangible but very significant returns in the sphere of social well-being and quality of life.
- By providing pharmaceutical companies with comprehensive resources
for clinical trials, the Canadian Arthritis Network is giving arthritis
sufferers access to new therapies that they would not ordinarily receive.
- Telestroke, the first initiative of its kind in Canada, will improve
the quality of life for many Canadians by reducing the incidence of
stroke-induced disability.
- The Canadian Language and Literacy Research Network is working with
educators and private partners to improve the literacy skills of the
most disadvantaged Canadian children.
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