ENVIRONMENT CANADA S ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY RESEARCH NETWORK CALL FOR PROPOSALS

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1 ENVIRONMENT CANADA S ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY RESEARCH NETWORK CONTEXT CALL FOR PROPOSALS As part of its commitment to strengthen academic engagement, within the areas of economics and policy research and analysis, Environment Canada is issuing this call for proposals to establish an Economic and Environmental Policy Research Network (The Network). The overarching goal of the Network is to develop further linkages between Environment Canada and the academic community and support inter-disciplinary research on economics and policy issues relevant to making progress towards Canada s environmental objectives. Environmental policy is becoming ever more complex, increasing the demand for sound, robust and credible economic and policy analysis. Cross-disciplinary research is increasingly required, with expertise needed outside of traditional environmental disciplines in areas such as: competitiveness; industrial organization; behavioural economics; productivity; process and technological innovation; regulatory design; and specific sectors of the economy. Environment Canada s intent in establishing the Network, and providing it with funding and support, is to develop external research that is relevant to current environmental policy priorities and addresses key gaps in existing analysis. A successful Network would increase cross-disciplinary linkages within the academic community itself and between the academic community and Environment Canada. Researchers who become members of the Network will benefit from significant support from Environment Canada, including but not necessarily limited to: - Stable and predictable funding over a five-year period (a total of up to $500,000 will be granted to the Network over five years); - Opportunities to engage with senior Environment Canada officials; - Information on current government policy and research priorities; - Invitation to an annual workshop hosted by Environment Canada to share research with other academics and relevant Government of Canada representatives; - Translation of selected research documents and communications products, as required, so that they are available in both official languages; and, 1

2 - Temporary assignment/employment opportunities for graduate students working on issues of interest to the Network and Environment Canada. NETWORK S OBJECTIVES The Network s objectives are linked to Environment Canada s strategy for increasing academic engagement in the areas of policy and economics, as well as supporting interdisciplinary economics and policy research in Canada. In particular, the objectives of the Network would be to: - Leverage the capacity of Canadian academics to inform the environmental policy making process; - Connect researchers from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives on economic and policy research relevant to environmental policy; - Promote greater interest in - and understanding of - environmental policy challenges within the academic community; - Enhance the knowledge and analytical capacity of Environment Canada employees; - Allow for ongoing projects consistent with the academic calendar year; and - Establish a pool of graduate students familiar with environmental economics and policy research. THEMATIC FOCUS AND RESEARCH PRIORITIES The overarching theme of the Network is economic and policy analysis tied to environmental policy. We believe that this broad theme will allow flexibility to adjust to changing policy priorities and encompass the research interests of researchers from a wide variety of backgrounds. However, for the first five years of the Network, Environment Canada is proposing the research agenda of the Network be linked to Environmental policy, competitiveness, innovation and behavioural response. Examples of research questions that could be addressed under this priority, for environmental issues such as climate change, air pollution, chemical management, and biodiversity, include, but are not limited to: The relationship between environmental policy and competitiveness, at the national, regional, sector and firm levels. 2

3 o What capacity do Canadian sectors have to improve environmental performance while maintaining or enhancing competitiveness? o How can regulations be designed to minimize negative competitiveness impacts (by sector)? o Can environmental policy and regulation enhance competitiveness in Canadian firms? (e.g. efficiencies, innovation, productivity, new markets) o How should regulations applicable to one jurisdiction be designed within a global economy, where supply chains and markets cross borders? o Are there new and innovative ideas for managing multiple environmental issues arising from the same source, particularly when there are different levels of government involved? (e.g. greenhouse gases and air pollutants from industry, biodiversity and greenhouse gas sinks in land-use sectors). What are the linkages between innovation (technology and process) environmental objectives, and economic objectives? o Are there niche areas where Canada may have a comparative advantage, and an opportunity to gain market share? o What role can environmental regulation play in supporting innovation, and how can regulations be designed to maximizing innovation benefits? o What is the potential for innovation to meet environmental objectives based on current technologies and best practices elsewhere? What factors influence firm and individual responses to environmental policy, both in terms of support for the policy and behavioural response? o Should regulatory design take into consideration behavioural response? o Are there complementary actions governments can take to increase the desired behavioural response of firms and individuals? 3

4 NETWORK CHARACTERISTICS Network composition The Network will be national and thereby will address, but transcend, regional concerns and priorities. The Network will be led by one or more academics at a Canadian university the Network leader(s). The Network leader(s) will assume primary responsibility for the intellectual coordination of the Network as well as its day-to-day management and the administration of its funds. The Network will also draw members from at least two other relevant universities and research-oriented organizations (who could work in collaboration with identified partners and stakeholders). It should be noted that although members from a minimum of 3 institutions are required to form the Network, extra points will be allocated for proposals that include representatives from at least five institutions (including the Network leader(s) institution). In addition to producing high quality research relevant to environmental policy issues, the Network will provide training opportunities for graduate students. Network Activities The leader(s) and members of the Network will contribute to three streams of activity. 1. Research Explore and investigate key economic and policy research issues related to environmental policy in a multi-disciplinary context. Undertake and complete at least one major policy-relevant project per year. Establish a peer review process to ensure high quality and credible research. 2. Communications and Outreach Participate in an annual workshop organized by Environment Canada that will bring together network members and policy advisers to share results, consider their policy implications and discuss research gaps and priorities. Present at other workshops and conferences peer reviewed reports and/or the findings of research in progress. 4

5 Set up and maintain a collaborative, bilingual, public website (with translation costs covered separately by Environment Canada) that will present the Network s objectives and research projects. Engage with partners, such as academics from other disciplines and institutions, industry and private sector representatives, think tanks and other stakeholders relevant to the research. 3. Skill Development Incorporate graduate student training and research into the Network s work plan. Act as a broker between graduate students and Environment Canada; ensuring that students are aware of assignment and employment opportunities made available to them by Environment Canada. Funding and Duration Funding in the amount of up to $100,000 per year over five years will be provided to the Network from Environment Canada via a contribution to the Network leader(s) institution. Environment Canada will provide in-kind support through information sharing, assignment/employment opportunities, translation services and the organization of an annual workshop. The Network leader(s) s institution is expected to provide funding support in addition to Environment Canada s contribution described above, as well as inkind support such as general infrastructure (e.g. office space, furniture, equipment) and access to university resources and facilities (e.g. administrative services, library, computing services, software, domain to host internet site, etc.). The extent of financial and in-kind support offered by the institution will need to be described by applicants in their proposals. Prior to the end of the five-year period, an assessment of the Network will be conducted by Environment Canada and a decision on whether or not to renew funding will be made. Governance In order to provide efficient and effective governance for the project, a Steering Committee will be put in place to provide high-level guidance, strategy and oversight for the project. The Steering Committee will approve annual work plans, determine disbursement of funds to research projects, review the Network annual performance reports and identify new Network members. The Steering Committee could be comprised of selected network members and experts drawn from a range of academic disciplines and locations across Canada. Members for 5

6 the Steering Committee should be identified by applicants in their application; details of Committee membership will be laid out in the contribution agreement to be signed between Environment Canada, the Network leader(s) and the Network leader(s) institution. An Environment Canada official will also have a seat at the Steering Committee, acting as a technical advisor. Environment Canada has also established a Network Advisory Group, comprised of representatives from across the department, which will be responsible for: overseeing the application and selection process leading to the Network s establishment; monitoring the performance of the Network, namely by reviewing its annual performance report; advising on and coordinating Environment Canada s contribution to the activities of the Network; and, helping Network members liaise with Environment Canada s community of economists and policy analysts. Eligibility Interdisciplinary teams of researchers consisting of one or more Network leader(s) from a Canadian University and two or more researchers working in at least two other Canadian research institutions are eligible to apply to form a Network. Network proposal should identify the leader(s) and a minimum of two members. Moreover, extra points will be allocated to proposals that include representatives from at least five institutions (including the Network leader(s) institution). There is no limitation on the maximum number of members that can participate in the Network and additional Network members can be added following the establishment of the Network to the extent that their nomination is put forward by the Network leader(s) and approved by the Steering Committee. The Network leader(s) must be full-time faculty member(s) at a Canadian institution that has a demonstrated ability to produce high-quality economic and policy research. Significant knowledge of environmental policy issues will also be required by one or more of the Network members. Network leaders must also demonstrate their ability to form strong linkages across disciplines to meet the objectives of the Network. Applicants may propose linkages to organizations abroad and institutions outside of their affiliated university, as long as the participating organizations are closely related with the proposed activities of the Network. Network members may include academics pursuing doctoral or post-doctoral research. Selection and evaluation A review panel will be established by Environment Canada to evaluate all applications against the selection criteria (see ANNEX 1) and finalize the decisions on selection and funding of the Network. 6

7 Other Requirements Cash-Flow Statement if your application is successful, you will be required to develop a detailed cash flow statement of all sources of revenue (including all inkind contributions) and expenditures that are part of the approved project. Reporting Obligations reporting obligations have been kept to a minimum to not overburden the Network leader(s). The Network leader(s) will need to provide annual financial reports describing the Network s revenue and expenses. At the end of the five-year period, the Network leader will produce a final report highlighting the Network s accomplishments and outcomes to Environment Canada. In the case where the Network leader(s) do(es) not fulfill reporting obligations, Environment Canada may terminate its funding support before the end of the five-year period. APPLICATION PROCESS Applications for the Network should be done jointly by the Network leader(s) University, the Network leader(s) and at least two initial members of the Network, representing at least two other Canadian institutions. Flexibility will be given for members to join the Network once it is established; with new members proposed by the Network leader, subject to the approval of the Steering Committee. Applications must be submitted by the application deadline and should include three main components: 1. Letter, signed by the appropriate representative from the applicant s university administration outlining that the Network leader(s) university agrees to become the Recipient of the funds from the Network. a. Should include details on the mechanism for funds to be distributed to the institutions of Network members, as well as approximate proposed percentage breakdown of funds between key elements, such as graduate student funding, travel, and other costs. b. This letter should also outline the Network leader(s) University contributions to the Network (potentially including support leveraged from other stakeholders) both in terms of in-kind and/or additional funding support. In-kind support could include general infrastructure support (e.g. office space, furniture, equipment) as well as access to university resources and facilities (e.g. administrative services, library, computing services, software, internet site, etc.). 7

8 2. A proposal of the activities and research of the Network from the Network members. a. The proposal should focus on the proposed vision and approach of the Network, especially addressing the evaluation criteria outlined in Annex 1. b. Proposals should not exceed 10 pages in length (excluding the CVs for key Network members). 3. The CVs of the Network Leader(s) and Members. a. Leader(s) and members will be evaluated for their ability to conduct quality research related to the theme and priorities of the Network, and their ability to make connections across academic disciplines. Applications are due on or before February 3, Please return your applications by and address any questions about the Economic and Environmental Policy Network to: Rachel Samson Director Current Analysis and Economic Research Environment Canada 25 th Floor, Les Terrasses de la Chaudière 10, Wellington Street Gatineau (Québec) K1A 0H3 Tel: (819) rachel.samson@ec.gc.ca TIMELINES November 30, 2011 February 3, 2012 Request for proposals sent Proposal applications due 8

9 ANNEX 1 Evaluation Criteria Mandatory Requirements Meets Requirements Assessment Theme Alignment with the theme of economic and policy research related to environmental policy. Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory Eligibility Network leader(s) is (are) a full-time faculty member(s) at a Canadian institution that has demonstrated ability to 1) produce high-quality economic and policy research and 2) to form strong linkages across academic disciplines. Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory Network members have knowledge of environmental policy issues. Members represent a variety of backgrounds and institutions. Contribution to Each Program Objective Enable Canada s academic community to conduct research that can inform environmental policy decisions. Connect researchers from a variety of backgrounds with policy makers to enhance Environment Canada s knowledge and analytical capacity. Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory Develop a pool of graduate students familiar with environmental policy research. Enhance academic community engagement and debate on current environmental policy issues. 9

10 Point-Rated Requirements Meets Requirements Assessment Min Max Rated Policy Relevance The degree to which research outcomes from the Network s activities are likely to contribute to emerging and future policy challenges and address gaps in existing research. Members Institutions Support Extent to which the leaders institution support the Network (funding and/or access to services and infrastructures) Dissemination of Knowledge Proposed means and quality of transfer of information and research outcomes within and beyond the Network Expertise Demonstrated experience and expertise of the leader(s)/members to carry out the proposed activities and deliver the anticipated outcomes. Diversity Leader(s)/members represent a variety of academic backgrounds, are from across Canada and a role for graduate students is included in the Network workplan. 2. Leader(s)/members represent five or more Canadian institutions Quality and Credibility of Research Each proposal should include a peer review process in order to assure the quality of research methodology and results. TOTAL