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CFI updates its strategic plan to reflect a changing innovation landscape

With its core mandate unchanged, CFI is evolving how it delivers on its priorities

OTTAWA, ONTARIO — Today, the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) published an addendum to its 2023–28 strategic plan, Aiming high, setting out how it is responding to a shifting research environment.

Since the CFI began implementing its latest strategic plan, Canada’s priorities have been reshaped by increased geopolitical instability, evolving economic pressures, and accelerating technological change.

READ: Addendum to Aiming high, the Canada Foundation for Innovation’s 2023–28 strategic plan 

In response, the CFI is intentionally aligning with national priorities while preserving its commitment to research excellence and strengthening Canada’s research and innovation ecosystem by: 

  • Continuing to invest in research infrastructure that supports both discovery and mission-driven research
  • Reinforcing the capacity of Canadian institutions to attract and retain global research talent
  • Enhancing research security and integrity
  • Leveraging research infrastructure to accelerate commercialization and productivity
  • Demonstrating clear value for money through stronger performance measurement and continuous program improvement.

“We refer to this recalibration as CFI 3.0 — it’s a deliberate reshaping of our strategy, enabled by our arm’s-length model, so we can remain effective in a more complex and demanding environment,” Sylvain Charbonneau, CFI’s President and CEO said.

This will complement the work of science-based federal departments and research funding agencies to maximize the impact of public investments in research infrastructure, building on the solid foundation the CFI has already achieved through its existing strategic pillars.