ASSESSING TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY OF INNOVATIONS IN CANADA: THE GLOBAL SNAPSHOT
This paper presents the results of a comparison of the technical efficiency of innovation approach in Canada to approaches in 41 other countries. Data Envelopment Analysis was used to investigate this subject. Results of simulation experiments were used to anticipate possible general suggestions regarding policy measures that may be considered when exploring means to improve Canadian performance. Data from the World Competitiveness Yearbook and European Innovation Scoreboard were used. Oslo Manual definition of innovations was used. Enablers (context) — difficult to change country characteristics that may impact upon technical efficiency — were entered into the examination. A qualitative overview of the Canadian perspective to innovations supplements the quantitative portion of the presentation. It is observed that return to scale and congestion issues dominate considerations on technical efficiency of innovations. Wealthier countries seem to be less technically efficient in innovations than not so rich ones. Canada operates under Decreasing Returns to Scale. Congestions seem to be the main contributor to inefficiencies. Suggestions regarding the betterment of technical efficiency of innovations in Canada are presented here. Attention was drawn to several questions for further studies on the subject and their importance clarified.