Dual-use innovation does not always look the way we imagine

When we talk about dual-use technologies, drones, smart sensors and autonomous systems often come to mind. Yet some of the most relevant expertise can be found in much more traditional industries.

Sometimes, innovation starts with something as simple as a propeller.

In Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Service Marine Canada has more than 50 years of expertise in repairing, designing and optimizing propellers and marine propulsion systems.

Its activities include work on ferries, tugboats, icebreakers and commercial vessels.

Behind this equipment lies technical expertise that goes well beyond manufacturing or repairing a mechanical part.

Industrial expertise with multiple applications

The performance of a propulsion system depends on several factors: blade geometry, balancing, material strength and the ability to operate under demanding conditions.

A relatively minor modification can affect vibrations, energy efficiency or a vessel’s behaviour.

These challenges call for advanced knowledge in engineering, manufacturing and technical analysis.

Service Marine Canada uses specialized design and inspection tools to improve the precision of its work and the performance of the systems it works on.

The value of these capabilities extends beyond the commercial marine market.

Requirements for reliability, durability and performance also arise in several applications related to security and defence.

Looking beyond the original application

This is precisely what makes dual-use technologies so interesting.

Expertise developed to meet a civilian need can sometimes be adapted to a different context, provided it meets the requirements of that new environment.

This does not mean assuming that a commercial product is automatically compatible with a military application.

It means recognizing that industrial capabilities, manufacturing processes and technical knowledge can form the foundations of innovations intended for multiple markets.

For a business, this reflection can reveal diversification opportunities that might otherwise have been overlooked.

Innovation is already here

The Haut-Richelieu region has an industrial base that includes expertise directly relevant to security and defence markets, along with other capabilities worth exploring from a new perspective.

By highlighting businesses such as Service Marine Canada, innosecur aims to help these regional capabilities gain greater recognition.

Developing an innovation ecosystem is not only about attracting new technologies.

It also means recognizing, connecting and promoting the expertise already present in the region.

Before looking elsewhere for innovation, sometimes we need to start by seeing more clearly what is already here.