Research

CRC's Research Priorities

Grand Challenge R&D

Grand Challenge R&D is characterized by project outputs and outcomes that, cumulatively, result in a technology demonstration of a strategic capability, or an innovative proof-of-concept that fundamentally impacts Canada's direction in spectrum management and use.

Grand Challenge R&D is also strengthened by strategic collaborations. CRC will be seeking such partnerships as its three Grand Challenges mature.

Direct client support R&D

CRC's direct client support R&D assists in resolving critical wireless communications issues of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada's Spectrum, Information Technologies and Telecommunications (SITT) sector, and issues faced by other government clients that depend strategically on spectrum for their operational issues. CRC researchers collaborate with SITT colleagues and clients from the federal family to first identify issues. These may be policy-based, regulatory, standards-based or operational. CRC then turns to solving the problem. A technical fix, for example, could solve an operational issue, while in-depth research results could be needed to make an informed decision on a policy or regulatory issue.

Wireless technology foresight

CRC's wireless technology foresighting function provides insight to government, to ensure awareness of ongoing and emerging trends and issues. Foresighting collects information from a variety of sources, both internal and external. External sources include scientific and technical sources, as well as market sources, both domestic and international. Internally, the team draws from results generated through current CRC research projects, and from the expertise of scientific staff. As CRC grows its foresighting function, collaborators will become invaluable sources of input.

Big Data Analytics Centre

The Big Data Analytics Centre is a new research facility being built within the CRC in Ottawa. It will enable the CRC to perform leading-edge spectrum research in support of the Spectrum, Information Technologies and Telecommunications Sector's policy and regulatory roles. The Centre will employ state-of-the-art data visualization tools and capabilities, which will allow the CRC to perform technical demonstrations and provide real-time visualizations of spectrum use. The research enabled by the Centre will support more effective spectrum management and aid technology demonstration to public and private partners.