C-CORE's History

The Early Years

C-CORE was formed in 1975 through the financial support of the Devonian Foundation. Based in St. John's, Newfoundland, our mandate was to work with Canadian industry to identify engineering challenges and create solutions related to the development of ocean resources. Throughout it's history C-CORE has enjoyed a close relationship with Memorial Univeristy.

For the first 10 years, C-CORE focused on research in two areas related to the ocean environment - ice and remote sensing. From the beginning, we fostered a collaborative culture that values a close working relationship with clients and other stakeholders from industry and government. Our industrial partnerships were mainly with large corporations, and activities concentrated on offshore oil exploration and development.

Broadening the Focus

In the mid-1980s, large companies downsized as a result of a much stronger emphasis on the bottom line and an expectation for a more rapid return on research and development investments. Small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) were creating the jobs and became the new engine of growth. To take advantage of the new market opportunities, C-CORE shifted its strategic direction and began to form alliances with these smaller partners.

With the emphasis on turning research investments into commercial application, technology transfer became a national priority in Canada. It also became a priority for C-CORE, and we demonstrated this commitment by expanding our activities to include both engineering research and development, and the practical application of new technologies. The move toward technology transfer initiatives also made sense in view of our changing financial base. C-CORE moved to a project-funded and contract-supported corporation.

Building a Strong Human Resource Base

In conjunction with the shift in business focus, we strengthened our role to develop highly-qualified personnel with knowledge of industrial operation issues. Opportunities were increased for graduate and undergraduate students to gain experience on industrial projects through C-CORE.

Creating an International Presence

Increased globalization in the early 1990s opened the door for C-CORE to diversify its market portfolio and develop international activities with partners from many corners of the world. This was often achieved through alliances with Canadian SMEs to increase their market opportunities. For C-CORE, this was a chance to build on our core expertise in the offshore oil and gas sector, and establish business relationships with international partners in new market sectors such as pipeline, mining, fisheries and aquaculture, forestry, and pulp and paper.

Bridging Our Past and Future

C-CORE's strategic decisions since 1975, and their successful results, have demonstrated our ability to be flexible and proactive in today's rapidly changing environment. We are able to adapt to a changing client base, shifting economic conditions and continually evolving market needs. This ability will be critical to our continued success in the years ahead. As global markets expand and foreign competition increases, the technology innovation cycle will become increasingly shorter. More and more start-up companies will seek alliances that will create a critical mass of technical expertise. Cost sharing will continue to be a preferred approach in the development of new technologies. C-CORE's track record as a strong, collaborative partner will be key in addressing the difficult engineering challenges of the new millennium.