Deep Tech Policy Fellow

The ICTC Deep Tech Policy Fellowship is a 13-week, part-time (21 hours per week) project-based applied research engagement focused on strengthening Canada's position in emerging and advanced technology sectors through evidence-based policy analysis and ecosystem research. The Fellow will collaborate with ICTC's research and policy team to examine opportunities and barriers shaping bilateral national collaboration on advanced and emerging technologies, including AI, quantum, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and related frontier domains.

The fellowship supports ICTC's broader mandate to advance Canada's digital economy and deepen international cooperation in strategically important technology sectors.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct mixed-method research on emerging and advanced technology ecosystems in Canada and the UK.
• Analyze regulatory, commercialization, scaling, data governance, talent, and investment-related barriers using ICTC's established frameworks.
• Support comparative analysis of Canada–UK regulatory approaches, innovation policies, and technology governance models.
• Conduct stakeholder interviews with industry leaders, investors, researchers, accelerators, and policy actors across Canada and the UK.
• Develop policy options related to talent mobility, commercialization pathways, innovation testbeds, regulatory sandboxes, and digital infrastructure.
• Contribute to drafting research reports, policy briefs, and presentations for ICTC and external audiences.

Qualifications

• Graduate training in public policy, economics, innovation studies, or related fields.
• Experience conducting qualitative and quantitative research.
• Familiarity with emerging technology sectors such as AI, quantum, semiconductors, robotics, or advanced manufacturing is an asset.
• Strong writing, interviewing, and analytical skills.
• Understanding of industrial strategy or technology governance preferred.
• Familiarity with Canada and UK technology regulations, foreign investment, and digital trade is an asset.
• Excellent project management and communication skills.

Engagement Overview

This fellowship offers immersion in ICTC's research and policy environment. The Fellow will explore structural, regulatory, and market dynamics influencing Canada–UK technological cooperation, drawing on ICTC's portfolio of work in this space, along with primary and secondary research on digital trade, investment climate analysis, talent mobility, commercialization, and advanced technology policy.

Four-Month Work Plan (January–April)

January — Orientation and Landscape Review

• Orientation to ICTC research methods and priorities
• Review of Canada–UK technology policy landscapes and innovation ecosystems
• Mapping of priority technology domains
• Development of analytical framework covering regulation, talent, IP, data, investment, and scaling

February — Research, Interviews, and Early Draft

• Conduct comparative ecosystem analysis for Canada and the UK
• Complete the majority of stakeholder interviews
• Draft an early report summarizing initial barriers, opportunities, comparative insights, and emerging policy themes
• Conduct internal review to shape direction of the full report

March — Final Analysis and Policy Development

• Deepen research and refine findings based on interviews and ecosystem data
• Develop detailed policy options to support bilateral technology collaboration
• Draft full narrative report sections integrating research and analysis
• Undertake internal validation with ICTC research leads
• Produce the final narrative report and supporting policy briefs

Work Environment

ICTC is an entrepreneurial organization committed to advancing Canada's competitive advantage in the digital economy.

We are an agile not-for-profit with a dynamic environment where we are always managing multiple priorities and competing deadlines with excitement and enthusiasm, helping each other succeed, and lending a hand to help achieve collective goals.

Location

Remote—anywhere in Canada.

About ICTC

ICTC is a neutral, not-for-profit national centre of expertise with the mission of strengthening Canada's digital advantage in the global economy. For over 30 years, and with a team of 80+ experts, we have delivered forward-looking research, practical policy advice, and capacity-building solutions for individuals and businesses. Our goal is to ensure that technology is utilized to drive economic growth and innovation, and that Canada's workforce remains competitive on a global scale.

• OUR MISSION IS TO: Strengthen Canada's digital advantage in a global economy

• OUR VISION IS TO: Foster globally competitive Canadian industries and a prosperous society empowered by innovative digital solutions.

ICTC is committed to being an equal opportunity employer. If you require accommodation measures during any phase of the hiring process, please notify us as soon as possible. All information received in relation to accommodation requests will be kept confidential.