Forest Innovation Program

Status - Ongoing

About the program

The Forest Innovation Program (FIP) was created in 2012 to support the first phase of the forest sector innovation process by facilitating research and development (R&D) for innovative technologies, products, and processes in the emerging bioeconomy. FIP funds R&D and pilot projects that are aligned with future market and consumer demand, as well as those that help the sector adapt to current and anticipated fibre supply challenges. This is done by:

• supporting Canada’s forest sector at all levels of production, from seed to market
• funding the development of new technologies and practices to improve the sustainability and economic productivity of Canada’s forest sector
• fostering a stronger and more efficient forest sector for the future of Canada’s forests and economy

As part of its 2023 renewal, the program will remain focused on enabling the growth of the forest bioeconomy by delivering R&D and technology transfer funding for the forest sector. Similar to the Investment in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) program, FIP will support the advancement of products, processes, and technologies that contribute to the decarbonization of the forest sector, as well as the sustainable use of resources that generates more value from the same amount of harvested wood.

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FIP consists of three streams that work together to support its mission:

Bioeconomy support through forest innovation

FIP supports pre-commercial R&D and knowledge and technology transfer for innovative technologies and processes in the forest bioeconomy. This includes investments in projects administered by the private not-for-profit FPInnovations, a national R&D organization focused on the Canadian forest sector, and other federal laboratories performing R&D related to the forest bioeconomy. It also supports codes and standards to help develop early-stage bioeconomy products and grow markets.

The Canadian Wood Fibre Centre

The Canadian Wood Fibre Centre (CWFC) is a research branch within the Canadian Forest Service (CFS) of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). The CWFC will contribute to innovation and transformation in the forest sector, particularly as it relates to understanding and characterizing wood fibre attributes, enhanced forest inventory, and ensuring a sustainable supply of wood fibre in Canada. Continued funding from FIP will enable the CWFC to develop more effective tools and techniques in forest inventory, optimize the value of our resources, and develop future forests with desirable attributes. This will result in greater economic returns through more efficient use of wood fibre, enhanced information about Canada’s forest resources, sustainable sourcing, and increased resilience and productivity of these resources.

Enhancing diversity in the forest sector

FIP provides funding for scholarships and grants to promote the forest sector to students and recent graduates of post-secondary institutions in Canada. These scholarships and grants, delivered through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), are designed to attract youth, women, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, and immigrants to research and careers in related fields to improve diversity and representation within the Canadian forest sector.

News and updates

• Launch announcement: Canada Accepting New Applications for Three Forest Sector Innovation Programs
• First Regional Energy and Resource Table Collaboration Framework For Accelerating a Low-Carbon Economy
• FPInnovations and Deloupe leading the way: Impressive achievements highlighting sustainable innovations in forest transportation sector