RESEARCH QUESTION 1
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?
CRRIC · Research project · 2026–2027
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.
3Research phases
2Hybrid Winnipeg workshops
25–30Target interviews
Aug 2027Planned completion
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.
Canadian dual-use innovation
→Barriers to transition
Test, don't presume
→Test, don't presume
Defence procurement and adoption
Demand uncertaintyProgramme navigationScale-up financeSecurity requirementsFirm readinessRisk allocationTransition ownership
Research will determine whether fragmentation is principal, contributory or secondary to other barriers.
02 · Three research pillars
RESEARCH QUESTION 2
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?
RESEARCH QUESTION 3
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.
Federal defence and procurement agencies
Canadian industry, primes and SMEs
Indigenous organisations and governments
DUAL EDGE · Evidence → Co-creation → Recommendations
Academia and Indigenous STEM students
Manitoba and northern institutions
Research and training partners
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.
Bilingual policy report
Findings across three research questions with assigned policy audiences.
Bilingual executive summary
Four pages designed for senior decision-makers.
Practical policy toolkit
Instrument, threshold, authority and contact guidance for SMEs and Indigenous organisations.
Bilingual policy briefs
Standalone analysis of capabilities, procurement and Indigenous participation.
Public webinar series
Open dissemination through edited sessions and webinars.
Project microsite
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.
01Clearer pathways from research and commercial capabilities to defence requirements and procurement.
02Evidence-based options for reducing gaps across existing Canadian institutions and programmes.
03A stronger evidence base for Manitoba’s potential role in Canadian defence supply chains.
04Practical approaches to Indigenous equity, procurement participation and technical workforce development.
05Better-informed alignment between Canadian dual-use technologies and Arctic capability requirements.
From evidence to policy dialogue
Evidence mapping→Interviews→Co-creation→Analysis→Policy products and briefings