The survey is part of an on-going program to measure innovation in Canada. To meet this objective the survey collects information on new and significantly improved products and processes introduced during a three year time period. The information collected by this survey provides information innovation and innovation activities of Canadian businesses and their characteristics. Some topics can include innovation activities, sources of information, problems and obstacles, impact of innovation, cooperative and collaborative arrangements for innovation, business success factors, intellectual property protection, and use of government support programs. The survey is conducted every 3-4 years, depending on need, and covers a 3-year reference period. Industries surveyed may vary from survey to survey. Coverage is largely determined by client sponsorship.
Canada, provinces & territories
Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) was used to collect the survey data. All sample units were "pre-contacted" to determine the name and correct mailing address for the respondent, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the business or the person designated by the CEO. Questionnaires were mailed out with mail, telephone and fax follow ups carried out for to elicit a response from non-respondents.
Sample units: The requirement to produce provincial statistics was a major criterion in defining the sampling unit. Following the recommendations of Eurostat, the enterprise was chosen. Whenever possible, provincial data are to be an output of surveys at Statistics Canada. Accordingly, within each province, for each enterprise, all establishments coded to the same 4-digit NAICS industry groups were grouped to form one sample unit or "provincial enterprise". To reduce response burden on small businesses, only provincial enterprises with at least 20 employees and provincial enterprises with a gross business income of at least $250,000 (According to Statistics Canada's Business Register) were considered in sample selection.