The race to secure green technologies has become an increasingly important aspect of international geopolitical competition. Control over critical minerals – essential resources that power advanced technologies from clean energy to semiconductors – has emerged as a decisive global issue. With Canada’s 2022 Critical Minerals Strategy setting out the goal of becoming a secure and reliable supplier to global markets while reducing dependence on China, Canada is poised to play a pivotal role in enabling green and digital transitions worldwide.
Yet, questions remain about the effectiveness of Canada’s growing web of transnational agreements, partnerships, and trade measures. The research will assess how well Canada’s emerging critical minerals governance framework connects Canadian industry to global value chains, while advancing national security and sustainability objectives.
The new Partnership Development Grant entitled “Economic statecraft and critical minerals value chains: Canada's emerging transnational governance framework for supplying the world while diversifying from China” will be led by Dr. Wolfgang Alschner, a Faculty member at the Centre for Law, Technology and Society and a Full Professor in the Faculty of Law, Common Law Section, in collaboration with Dr. Patrick Leblond, an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Social Sciences, as well as a network of partners from academia, think tanks, and industry, including Dr. Geneviève Dufour from the Faculty of Law, Civil Law Section, whose expertise in sustainable development and trade law will ensure that the project’s recommendations reflect responsible trade practices aligned with business realities and Canadian interests.
’s support innovative and collaborative projects that generate real-world impact from academic research. By fostering the exchange of knowledge across disciplines, sectors, and borders, these grants aim to address pressing social, economic, cultural, and environmental issues in ways that benefit all Canadians.
Congratulations to Dr. Alschner!