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R&D: Market Readiness | Investments | Adoption

Contaminated sites and brownfield redevelopment may require innovative or novel approaches to effectively address contaminants of concern and site conditions that have unique physical, technical and even social barriers. The Research and Development of novel and innovative solutions (technologies and approaches) for the remediation, characterization and monitoring of these sites is required to address the market needs. Market research is required to gather information about the markets or customers ability, needs and readiness to adopt a new solution. It is a very important component of business strategy and the first step in any R&D project.

• Faster
• Cheaper
• More completely
• More effectively
• More sustainably.

R&D may be conducted on existing technologies to:

• Expand the breadth of application (i.e. varying site conditions and/or contaminant mixes)
  
• Increase the performance and efficiency (while reducing the cost)
• Incorporate greener solutions (more sustainable practices)

Research falls broadly into the following categories:

1. Pure Research - seeks to develop pure scientific knowledge and is generally done at universities or institutes.

2. Applied Research - encompasses all other research including product verification, technology application and development, and knowledge application. This type of research is the heart of industrial product development for Canada and internationally. Applied research is done by industries looking for application of proprietary knowledge and, increasingly, by Canadian community colleges.

3. Collaborative Research - is designed to promote and harness innovative research partnerships between industry and Ontario universities, colleges or research hospitals.

Partnerships

Technologies and innovative approaches are often developed by organizations (industry stakeholders) in partnership with the academic community (universities and colleges) to:

• Meet short, medium and long-term challenges of the industry
• Assemble partners and resources
• Access early-stage commercialization support
• Engage students as future employees

OCETA's role in the environmental remediation sector can be best described as on one of a catalyst or enabler including a promoter of innovative remediation solutions. Since 1994, OCETA has assisted early stage companies in commercializing new environmental technologies and provide independent validation and verification on technology performance and costs.

In order to raise awareness and to promote the availability of innovative remediation solutions offered by Canadian-based firms OCETA works in partnerships with industry and government stakeholders to promote and increase awareness of innovative tools and solutions through the aboutREMEDIATION Web site and events.