The Collegial Centers for the Transfer of Technology and Social Practices (CCTT) form a network specializing in research and innovation whose ramifications extend throughout Quebec. Here’s how SMEs can benefit from their expertise.
The first CCTT was created 40 years ago to meet the needs of the Bombardier company, which at the time was looking for scientific and technical resources in the La Pocatière region, in Bas-St-Laurent. Since then, the network has grown: with 59 centers and 2,000 experts, it now serves 6,000 customers annually and participates in the realization of 10,000 innovation projects. Together, these actions help support the competitiveness, influence and profitability of businesses, organizations, municipalities and government departments throughout Quebec. “We have a duty to innovate in all spheres of society, and our specialized centers have become essential so that academic knowledge becomes innovation and collective wealth,” comments Marie Gagné, President and General Manager of the CCTT network.
Each center specializes in its own sector of activity and is directly linked to a college institution in its region (CEGEP or private college). “Universities, with basic research, are there to advance knowledge, while CCTTs are there to respond to the problems of companies who want to improve or integrate new processes, or else develop a new product and market it, which allows them to be more competitive, more inclusive and more respectful of the environment”, emphasizes the CEO. She adds that this close collaboration with the education community allows the CCTTs to play a key role in training an innovative and qualified next generation. “Networking with local businesses means that, throughout Quebec, companies that take up the challenge of innovation with us have access to a qualified workforce, familiar with the vocabulary of the industry and aware of the latest technologies. »
Proven examples From health to education, including agriculture, environmental technologies, sustainable development, advanced materials, artificial intelligence, the aerospace industry and tourism, to name a few, the CCTTs have an impressive range of knowledge and equipment that helps Quebec businesses and organizations improve their processes, products or practices through applied research, technical assistance, training and information.
Two examples perfectly illustrate the extent to which the CCTT network is concretely involved in the innovation ecosystem in Quebec.
The CCTT Innovative Vehicle Institute has been collaborating for several years with the manufacturer Lion Electric, based in Saint-Jérôme, in the Laurentians, on the development of the first fully electric school bus. A great achievement that has allowed the company to position itself as a North American leader in its field. Another CCTT, the National Center for Electrochemistry and Environmental Technologies, has been supporting Bio-K for 26 years in the development of probiotics, to enable the brand to maintain its position as world leader.
Place for innovation
“Social innovation has occupied an important place in our network’s service offer for ten years,” explains Marie Gagné. Our model comes from the technology sector, but it now includes a whole section dedicated to this aspect. Clearly, social issues are increasingly important in our lives. Health, education, equity, inclusion, the Aboriginal question, eco-citizenship, sustainable development, integration of immigrants and people with disabilities, all these dimensions have been added to our offer of services. Openness, transparency, listening, collaboration and solidarity are important values for the CCTT network. “To develop effective strategies and tools, you need a good dose of knowledge, but you also have to know how to listen and understand the realities and expectations of the various stakeholders, while making judicious choices to obtain maximum repercussions”, concludes Marie Gagné.
Do you need help solving a problem related to your products, your processes, your processes or your practices? The Quebec CCTTs are there to support you.
For information: reseaucctt.ca
OUR REASON FOR BEING Maximize the impact of the collective and individual expertise of the CCTTs in innovation and applied research in the socio-economic development of Quebec and Canada. Both through an increased transfer to the recipient communities of more innovative processes, practices, processes and products, but also through the contribution to the development of a highly qualified and innovative workforce.
This content was produced by Le Devoir’s special publications team in collaboration with the advertiser. Le Devoir’s editorial team had no role in the production of this content.