Webinar # 1
DUAL EDGE
Strengthening Canada’s Defence Industrial Base through Dual-Use Technology Partnerships and Innovation
Testing how Canadian innovation can connect to national defence needs, procurement pathways and Arctic sovereignty, with Indigenous participation built into the analysis.
01 · The core research challenge
DUAL EDGE tests whether fragmentation across demand signalling, innovation support, scale-up finance and procurement is a principal constraint on dual-use technology adoption. It does not assume the explanation in advance.
Test, don't presume
Research will determine whether fragmentation is principal, contributory or secondary to other barriers.
02 · Three research pillars
Strategic technology value
Which Canadian AI, quantum, uncrewed, sensing, materials and communications capabilities address defence and Arctic needs, at what readiness level, and with what adoption barriers?
Mapping Canadian capacity
Which Canadian firms, research institutions and Indigenous enterprises can meet Churchill-related dual-use requirements, and how can Manitoba become an industrial participant rather than only a host?
Procurement and governance
Which procurement reforms, ITB mechanisms, governance models and Indigenous equity and workforce routes can help capabilities transition into defence contracts?
03 · Empirical case: Port of Churchill Plus
A defined and actively developed northern requirement gives the study a concrete test of Canadian capability. The research does not advocate for Churchill Plus or assume that the proposed infrastructure will proceed.
Explore eight capability layers
Select a layer belowThe analytical focus is the integration of capabilities across layers, not a list of firms or a feasibility assessment of capital infrastructure.
04 · Project phases and implementation
Select a phase to explore the timing, research activities and phase outputs.
05 · Co-creation and stakeholder engagement
Two hybrid workshops in Winnipeg use moderated small groups and collaborative drafting. Northern and rural participation is supported by remote access and interpretation.
Workshop 1
Technology identification and the “valley of death”
Validate capability mapping, examine barriers, risk sharing, smaller-firm entry points and test infrastructure.
Workshop 2
Procurement, Indigenous participation and Churchill
Test policy pathways, ITB incentives, integrated technologies, Indigenous equity and workforce routes, and options for accountable transition.
06 · Deliverables by August 2027
Planned products will be informed by consultations and workshops, followed by analysis, review, translation and dissemination.
Findings across three research questions with assigned policy audiences.
Four pages designed for senior decision-makers.
Instrument, threshold, authority and contact guidance for SMEs and Indigenous organisations.
Standalone analysis of capabilities, procurement and Indigenous participation.
Open dissemination through edited sessions and webinars.
Interactive maps, downloadable infographics and toolkit access.
07 · Intended policy contribution
These are outcomes the project aims to inform, not achieved policy changes or guaranteed impacts.