Business-Led Networks vs. 'Classic' NCEs
	Business-Led NCEs	'Classic' NCEs
Description	Managed collaborative virtual network that delivers a research program
Lead	Private sector	Academia
Host Institution	Not-for-profit consortia representing the private sector	University / Some not-for-profit examples
Network Leader/ Scientific Director	Director of the not-for-profit consortium	University affiliated (professor, clinician etc.)
Research Agenda	Private sector-driven research topics determined by establishing a vision	University strategically determined research agenda with stakeholder input
Duration	Four (4) years	Seven (7) years – renewable
Direct Research Costs	Only 50% of direct research costs can come out of BL-NCE funds – balance to be made up of private sector cash & in-kind contributions	Majority of research costs paid out of NCE funds – contributions from the private sector are strongly encouraged
Administrative Costs	Only 75% of administrative costs can come out of BL-NCE funds – balance to be made up of private sector cash & in-kind contributions	Majority of administrative costs paid out of NCE funds – contributions from the private sector are strongly encouraged
Research Area	Targeted to 5 Priority Areas identified in the S&T Strategy and Budget 2007	Open or targeted competitions
Funding source	NCE funds flowing through the 3 granting agencies (NSERC, CIHR, SSHRC)
Research Providers	University labs, Private sector labs Government labs (see below)	Mainly university labs
Role of Government Scientists	No direct funding but eligible for student support if Adjunct Professors – bring own resources to the NCE

Should you have any questions or inquiries regarding the Business-Led Networks of Centres of Excellence, please contact:

Christian Thivierge
Deputy Program Director
Tel.: 613-947-8894
Email: info@nce-rce.gc.ca