SRC releases impact study for 2012-'13

The Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) released its economic impact results for the 2012-13 fiscal year.

For every dollar the province invested in SRC over the past year, the Council provided a more than 29-times return to the growth of the Saskatchewan economy. That translated into more than $559 million in direct economic benefits to the province. SRC's work also contributed to the creation or maintenance of more than 2,700 jobs in Saskatchewan, valued at more than $169 million - the largest number since SRC initiated tracking these numbers ten years ago.

"Sixty-six years ago the leaders of this province envisioned a research and technology organization that would provide economic benefits to the people of Saskatchewan," Economy Minister and Minister responsible for SRC Bill Boyd said. "This year's numbers are once again a testament to the significant impact SRC has had in the province over time."

As part of its commitment to conducting its business in a socially and environmentally responsible manner, SRC has submitted its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report to the Global Reporting Initiative for the third year in a row.

Some highlights from SRC's 2012-13 CSR activities include:

66 per cent of SRC's projects achieved positive socio-environment impacts;

More than $36 million in projects aimed at creating positive environmental and/or social impacts were undertaken; and

SRC's work contributed to more than 22,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions reduction/prevention and energy savings in excess of 44 million kWh/year.

"SRC has once again proven why it is a nation-wide leader in the areas of applied research, development, and commercialization," SRC President and CEO Dr. Laurier Schramm said. "The numbers demonstrate our commitment to, and our success at growing and strengthening the Saskatchewan economy."

Since 2003, SRC has achieved over $5 billion in combined economic and job impacts in Saskatchewan.

To learn more about SRC's economic impact on Saskatchewan, view a video at http://src.nu/impacts12-13.