Seven Key Strategies for Building Applied Research Capacity at your Canadian College

Abstract

Canadian colleges play an increasingly vital role in applied research, supporting regional innovation through partnerships with industry, community, and government. Backed by programs like the Tri-Agency College and Community Innovation (CCI) fund, colleges have expanded beyond their teaching mandates to tackle real-world challenges through practical, solution-focused research. However, many institutions still face barriers due to limited internal resources, inconsistent faculty engagement, and administrative structures designed primarily for education. This paper outlines seven key strategies identified by Canadian college research leaders to build and strengthen applied research capacity: (a) focus on core funding programs, (b) align with federal priorities while exploring other sources, (c) engage local industry and community, (d) integrate research with student programming, (e) collaborate with internal departments, (f) leverage marketing to promote impact, and (g) learn from established institutions and associations. These strategies offer a roadmap for colleges at any stage of research development to enhance sustainability, relevance, and long-term impact.