Evaluation Summary of the Space Expertise and Proficiency Program
What is the Space Expertise and Proficiency Program?
The Space Expertise and Proficiency program of the Canadian Space Agency aims at developing and enhancing Canada's space capacity by supporting research in public or private organizations and sustaining the development of highly qualified personnel in science and engineering.
About the evaluation
Evaluation covers the period of to .
Conducted in - by Prairies Research Associates (PRA) on behalf of the Canadian Space Agency in response to the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat's Policy on Results ().
The evaluation's purpose is to provide decision-makers and Canadians an evidenced-based, neutral assessment of the Space Expertise and Proficiency program's value for money with respect to both the program's continued relevance and performance.
The evaluation used a mixed-methods approach that combined qualitative and quantitative analyses which included:
- Documents and archival data review
- 68 interviews with 90 key informants (program recipients, industry representatives, other federal government departments, other space agencies, and CSA employees)
- 6 case studies.
What have we learned?
The program is effective and its objectives are consistent with both federal and departmental priorities to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), develop highly qualified personnel (HQP), and advance space science and technology knowledge.
There is a need for the program to continue supporting the development of the Canadian space capacity.
"Our project would not have happened without CSA support"
"There's nothing else like it in the country"
How can we improve the program?
The Space Science and Technology directorate should ensure that its objectives and activities are aligned not only with current but also emerging needs of Canadian universities and research institutions to advance space science and technology knowledge, while also facilitating the work transition of the developed HQP towards sectors, including but not limited to the Canadian space sector, where their advanced technical and behavioural competencies (soft skills) can be best applied.
The program spent $56 M over the 5 year evaluation period. Most expenditures were dedicated to funding space science and technology projects and providing expertise and access to infrastructure and demonstration facilities.
1588 publications were released by funding recipients, of which ⅔ were peer reviewed publications
15 Canadian payloads were tested on stratospheric balloons, engaging academics, students and industry
In - alone,
579 individuals were involved in funded projects, among which
355 were undergraduate or graduate students
"The research experience students gain is complementary to what they get in university; it is incredibly valuable and, without the CSA funding, it would not be possible
"
(Space Expertise and Proficiency program recipient)
Program recipients within research institutions largely reported greater skills and experience amongst their students
- Communication skills
- Science skills
- Team work
- Practical experience with space science and technology
The program produced good value with respect to use of public funds by developing highly qualified personnel and facilitating space science and technology knowledge growth.