OECD/IMHE Project Supporting the Contribution of Higher Education Institutions to Regional Development Self Evaluation Report: Atlantic Canada, Canada Wade Locke (Memorial University), Elizabeth Beale (Atlantic Provinces Economic Council), Robert Greenwood (Harris Centre, Memorial University), Cyril Farrell (Atlantic Provinces Community College Consortium), Stephen Tomblin (Memorial University), Pierre-Marcel Dejardins (Université de Moncton), Frank Strain (Mount Allison University), and Godfrey Baldacchino (University of Prince Edward Island) December 2006 (Revised March 2007) ii Acknowledgements This self-evaluation report addresses the contribution of higher education institutions (HEIs) to the development of the Atlantic region of Canada. This study was undertaken following the decision of a broad group of partners in Atlantic Canada to join the OECD/IMHE project “Supporting the Contribution of Higher Education Institutions to Regional Development”. Atlantic Canada was one of the last regions, and the only North American region, to enter into this project. It is also one of the largest groups of partners to participate in this OECD project, with engagement from the federal government; four provincial governments, all with separate responsibility for higher education; 17 publicly funded universities; all colleges in the region; and a range of other partners in economic development. As such, it must be appreciated that this report represents a major undertaking in a very short period of time. A research process was put in place to facilitate the completion of this self-evaluation report. The process was multifaceted and consultative in nature, drawing on current data, direct input from HEIs and the perspectives of a broad array of stakeholders across the region. An extensive effort was undertaken to ensure that input was received from all key stakeholders, through surveys completed by HEIs, one-on-one interviews conducted with government officials and focus groups conducted in each province which included a high level of private sector participation. The Research Coordinator and Principal Investigator for this study was Dr. Wade Locke from Memorial University (Newfoundland and Labrador). Dr. Locke led the task of collecting data, synthesizing information from key sources and is also the principal author of this report. Dr. Locke was ably assisted by academic researchers at participating universities in all four provinces. A Steering Committee provided support to this project, with representation from associations representing HEIs, economic policy organizations, and the federal and provincial governments. The Steering Committee served as a network for research and collaboration, providing input throughout the process. Sincere appreciation is extended to the Researcher Coordinator, Steering Committee members and other contributors, as well as to the HEIs in the region for the valuable information and direction they provided. Special acknowledgement is given to the Harris Centre at Memorial University and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency for their funding support of this project. Elizabeth Beale Chair, Steering Committee Table of Contents ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION ………………………………...……………… 1 Chapter 2: OVERVIEW OF THE REGION ...………………………………. 3 1. Introduction ………………………………………………………………… 3 2. The Geographical Situation ......……………………………………………. 3 3. The Demographic Situation ………………………………………..………. 6 4. The Economic and Social Base ……………………………………………. 13 5. Governance Structure ……………………………………………………… 21 Chapter 3: CHARACTERISTICS OF THE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM 23 1. Overview of the national system of higher education …………………… 23 2. Regional dimension ‘inside’ the national higher education policy ………... 29 3. Regional higher education system and governance ……………………….. 33 Post-secondary education system in Newfoundland and Labrador …….. 34 Post-secondary education system in Prince Edward Island …………….. 34 Post-secondary education system in Nova Scotia ………………………. 35 Post-secondary education system in New Brunswick …………………… 35 Atlantic Canada’s post-secondary education system ……………………. 35 4. Conclusion ………………………………………………………………….. 44 Chapter 4: CONTRIBUTION OF RESEARCH TO REGIONAL INNOVATION 45 1. Responding to regional demands …………………………………………... 45 2. Research and innovation in Atlantic Canada ………………………………. 54 3. Framework conditions for promoting research and innovation ……………. 67 4. Interfaces facilitating knowledge exploitation and transfer ……………....... 69 5. Conclusion – SWOT analysis ……………………………………………..... 72 Chapter 5: CONTRIBUTION OF TEACHING AND LEARNING TO LABOUR MARKET AND SKILLS …………………………… 75 1. Localizing the learning process …………………………………………….. 75 2. Student recruitment and regional employment ……………………………... 81 3. Promoting lifelong learning, continuing professional development & training 83 4. Changing forms of education provision ……………………………………. 86 5. Enhancing the regional learning system ………………………………….… 88 6. Conclusion – SWOT analysis …………………………………………….… 93 Chapter 6: CONTRIBUTION TO SOCIAL, CULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENT ………………………….… 95 1. Social Development …………………………………………………………. 95 2. Cultural Development ……………………………………………………….. 96 3. Environmental Sustainability ……………………………………………….. 99 4. Conclusion – SWOT analysis ……………………………………………….. 100 Chapter 7: CAPACITY BUILDING FOR REGIONAL COOPERATION …….. 103 1. Mechanisms to promote HEI-regional involvement ………………………… 103 2. Promoting regional dialogue and joint marketing initiative ………………… 105 3. Evaluating and mapping the impact of the regional HE system ……………. 110 4. Institutional capacity building for regional involvement …………………… 111 5. Human and financial resource management ……………………………….. 115 6. Creating a new organization culture ……………………………………….. 116 i 7. Conclusion – SWOT analysis ……………………………………………… 117 Chapter 8: CONCLUSION: MOVING BEYOND THE SELF EVALUATION 120 Appendix A – Institutional Questionnaire ……………………………………….. 123 Appendix B – Other Stakeholder Questions …………………………………….. 149 Appendix C – Report of Newfoundland and Labrador Focus Group …………… 153 Appendix D - Report of Prince Edward Island Focus Group …………………… 159 Appendix E - Report of Nova Scotia Focus Group …………………………….. 166 Appendix F - Report of New Brunswick Focus Group ………………………... 181 Appendix G – Programs that Encourage Co-operative Research Between HEI and Industry in Atlantic Canada. ………………………………... 187 Appendix H – Education or Training Programs that Address the Needs of Key Provincial Industries ……………………………………….. 190 Appendix I – Steering Committee Members …………………………………... 193 ii List of figures, maps and tables Maps Map 1: Canada and the Provinces ……………………………………………..… 3 Map 2: Location of Atlantic Canada’s HEIs …………………………………….. 34 Figures Figure 1: Population of Canada and Atlantic Canada – 1971-2005 …………….. 6 Figure 2: Population Growth Rates – Canada and the Atlantic Provinces in Five Year Intervals ………………………………………………….. 7 Figure 3: Population of Canada and the Atlantic Provinces …………………….. 7 Figure 4: Population Pyramid for Canada – 2001 ………………………………. 8 Figure 5: Population Pyramid for Atlantic Canada – 2001……………………… 9 Figure 6: Comparative Population Pyramid – Atlantic Canada and Canada – 2001 …………………………………………………… 9 Figure 7: Comparison of Percent Population by Age Group and Educational Attainment - Atlantic Canada and Canada – 2001 ………. 10 Figure 8: Percent of Population by Language First learned and Still Understood – the Atlantic Provinces and Canada – 2001 ………. 11 Figure 9: Proportion of Residents with Aboriginal Identity in Atlantic Canada and Canada ………………………………………….. 12 Figure 10: Immigration Status of Residents in Atlantic Canada and Canada – 2001 ……………………………………………………. 12 Figure 11: GDP Per Capita – Canada and the Atlantic Provinces (1971-2005) …. 13 Figure 12 Real GDP Growth Rates – Canada and the Atlantic Provinces in Five Year Intervals …………………………………………………. 14 Figure 13: Personal Disposable Income Per capita – Canada and the Atlantic Provinces ………………………………………………… 15 Figure 14: Unemployment Rates – Canada and the Atlantic Provinces (1971-2005) ………………………………………………………….. 16 Figure 15 Participation Rates – Canada and the Atlantic Provinces (1971-2005) …………………………………………………………… 17 Figure 16: Composition of Employment by Industry – the Atlantic Provinces and Canada-2001 …………………………………………………….. 18 Figure 17: Composition of Labour Force by Occupation – the Atlantic Provinces and Canada …………………………………………………………… 18 Figure 18: Composition of Income by Source – Atlantic Provinces and Canada – 2001 …………………………………………………… 19 Figure 19: Total R&D Expenditure as a Percent of GDP ……………………….. 20 Figure 20: Business Sector R&D Expenditure as a Percent of GDP ……………. 20 Figure 21: R&D Performed by Sector in 2002 – Canada and Atlantic Canada … 21 iii Tables Table 1: University Enrolments in Canada by Program Level and Instructional Program …………………………………………………. 24 Table 2: University Enrollment by Registration Status by Province ……………. 26 Table 3: Community College Enrolment by Province 2005-2006 ……………… 26 Table 4: 2005 University Participation rates in the 8 to 21 Age Cohort ……….. 27 Table 5: University Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates Granted by Program Level and Institutional Program ……………………………... 27 Table 6: Universities and Colleges Revenues and Expenditures ($000) ………... 28 Table 7: Vocational Training Revenues – 2001-02 ($ Millions) ……………….. 29 Table 8: Regional Engagement Focus of Atlantic Canada’s Post-Secondary Institutions …………………………………………… 31 Table 9: Atlantic