2. Vision and Mission

VISION: A leader in driving the exploitation of scientific information to create value for Canadians.

MISSION: To advance research and innovation through high-value information and publishing services in science, technology, and medicine.

What our Vision means

"A leader"...
As Canada's national science library and largest scientific publisher, NRC-CISTI will lead in ensuring that Canadians have universal access to the world's scientific, technical, and medical (STM) information. As a leader NRC-CISTI will unite with others to promote the value of STM information in creating a vibrant economy.

"in driving the exploitation of scientific information"...
To derive value from STM information, it must be valid, relevant, and actionable. NRC-CISTI's innovative services enable Canadian researchers and entrepreneurs to exploit STM information to further discovery. Valued for its contribution, NRC-CISTI will be a key partner in initiatives in fundamental science, applied research, and commercialization across the country.

"to create value for Canadians"...
An innovative economy, fuelled by a vigorous STM information flow, will deliver benefits to Canadians, including economic development and growth, improved quality of life, and societal wellbeing. By ensuring that flow, NRC-CISTI will contribute to the competitiveness of research and innovation in Canada.

What our Mission means

"To advance research and innovation"...
NRC-CISTI's purpose is to serve the research and innovation communities. Science cannot progress without the active exchange of information. NRC-CISTI ensures that Canadians are well positioned to participate in and benefit from the free flow of scientific communication.

"through high-value information"...
Today researchers are faced with information overload. Canadians look to NRC-CISTI to deliver distilled, aggregated, and validated information that is relevant to their research and innovation activities. NRC-CISTI is their link to the world's STM information resources, ensuring that they receive the best and most up-to-date information available.

"information and publishing services"...
To serve Canadians, NRC-CISTI offers innovative, client-focused information and publishing services that are developed and delivered by NRC-CISTI's expert staff. Available at the client's desktop, these services are provided through a technologically sophisticated infrastructure.

To service NRC researchers and innovative companies, NRC-CISTI's information specialists are available in NRC Information Centres across the country. Their expertise contributes to the success of research and innovation through high-value information and analysis services.

"in science, technology, and medicine"...
NRC-CISTI's focus is STM information from around the world. Increasingly today new research areas and transdisciplinary fields are emerging, and the lines between research and commercialization are blurring. To fuel the conversion of new knowledge into products and services, NRC-CISTI also serves as a gateway for Canadians to business-relevant STM information.

The Outcome of the NRC-CISTI Strategic Plan 2005 – 2010 will be a robust, efficient information flow to enhance research and innovation.

Key to achieving this outcome is an integrated "infostructure" for Canada that provides universal, seamless, and permanent access to scientific and science-relevant information. From the researcher at NRC, to the entrepreneur in a small business, to citizens looking for health-related information, all will have electronic access at their desktop to a wealth of national and international STM information resources, supported by intelligent search and analysis tools and expert advice.

Canadian researchers will share their findings quickly and easily with colleagues in Canada and around the world through a robust Canadian publishing infrastructure. Using innovative publishing and communication tools, they will participate in and contribute to the advancement of science. A key component of the publishing infrastructure will be a viable peer review system that assures the quality and validity of research results.

Clients and companies participating in NRC's innovation support programs will use NRC-CISTI's Competitive Technical Intelligence (CTI) and patent information analysis services in support of their operational decisions allowing them to develop appropriate strategies to ensure business success.

With these three essential components achieved, Canada will be positioned to assume a leadership position in the exploitation of STM information to drive research and innovation to benefit Canadians.