The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) is an independent corporation created by the Government of Canada to fund research infrastructure. The CFI’s mandate is to strengthen the capacity of Canadian universities, colleges, research hospitals, and non-profit research institutions to carry out world-class research and technology development that benefits Canadians.
InnovationCanada.ca is the flagship communications product of the CFI—showcasing the benefits, impacts, and results of CFI-funded research to Canadians, and contributing to a culture of science in Canada. The target audience for InnovationCanada.ca ranges from Canadians with an interest in research and innovation, to students, government, media, and the research community. Being an online product which is easily accessible, it also targets these same groups worldwide.
The content includes guest writer columns and interviews with prominent Canadians, features about CFI-funded research, and profiles on up-and-coming young innovators.
In September of 2006, CFI chose 76design as their partner for the revitalization of their web presence. In order to realize a shared vision, 76design developed a four pillar approach for the site:
- Improved site design and content organization with new approaches including the ability to publish new content as needed, the ability to feature articles, and improved browse-ability
- Promotion of dialogue with key communities through improved share-ability and database marketing
- Provision of tools for streamlined, efficient management
- Improved tracking and measurement
The new InnovationCanada.ca site was launched in May 2008. It has become apparent through rigorous analysis of the site’s metrics that the CFI has increased the number of subscribers to the site and has experienced an increase in content contribution from key stakeholders.
