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C H A P T E R 8
Economic Impact of the Plan
The links between "pure" research programs in astronomy and their economic impact have always been substantial and are often surprising. The construction and operation of the new world observatories, however, will take this activity to new levels. These projects are of such a scale that close working links between astronomy and industry will be absolutely central. In this chapter, we present several of the many outstanding examples of how astronomy drives new technology and creates important new opportunities for industry. Most of the examples listed below are Canadian-based ones, but many more can be drawn from the American and European communities. We then discuss the substantial economic impact of our global plan for Canadian astronomy. Our economics analysis also draws upon an independent consultant study, commissioned for the LRPP (see Volume II, H). 8.1 Strong Partnership Between Astronomy and Industry: an Example A superb illustration of the economic potential lying within the link among astronomy, technology, and industry is the story of AGRA-Coast (Port Coquitlam, BC). In the late 1970's, this firm gained a $4M contract to build the dome for the CFHT on Mauna Kea. Their traditional road and bridge work benefitted directly from their successful attack on construction problems at high altitude and freezing temperatures, and the direction of the company changed toward one of advanced technology that now includes design and simulation, satellite tracking, and sophisticated theme-park rides among other applications. The company is now the world's leading builder of enclosures for large telescopes: it has constructed the domes for the Keck I and II optical telescopes; the Japanese Subaru telescope; the Gemini North telescope (all on Mauna Kea); Gemini South; and two UK optical telescopes on the Canary Islands. AGRA-coast has also built radio antennae for the Owens Valley (Caltech) mm array. The AGRA-Coast contracts for the Gemini project alone are valued at $44M, which should be compared with Canada's original $38M capital investment to enter Gemini (generated by combined contributions from NRC, NSERC, and the WESTAR Corporation). The firm's work on all telescopes since the 1970's has now
		In the most advanced countries, government investment is directed first and foremost towards the development of education, science, and culture. Every crown the state invests in those fields will return to it a thousandfold, though the profit cannot be measured by standard accounting procedures. Vaclav Havel, 1991, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic and playwright
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In the most advanced countries, government investment is directed first and foremost towards the development of education, science, and culture. Every crown the state invests in those fields will return to it a thousandfold, though the profit cannot be measured by standard accounting procedures.