Applied research
Investigator‑led academic or multidisciplinary research funded via CIFAR.
How the laws define this
All three regulatory frameworks define applied research as work directed toward specific practical applications and real-world problems to produce deployable solutions, distinguishing this focus from foundational research. They agree on delivering concrete outcomes, including tools, testbeds, and sector-specific methods in fields such as healthcare. However, the instruments diverge on the ultimate goals and mechanisms governing these projects. The Canadian Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute focuses narrowly on investigator-led academic or multidisciplinary projects funded through CIFAR under its applied stream to achieve near-term risk reduction and reproducible methods. Conversely, the BMBF AI Action Plan 2023 emphasizes accelerating technology transfer, validation in real-world settings, and uptake by SMEs and public bodies across sectors like education and public administration. Meanwhile, House Bill No. 7983 frames applied research around addressing specific national challenges and priorities, highlighting practical applications in Filipino language processing, agriculture, disaster resilience, and smart infrastructure.
Synthesised from the 3 statutory definitions below. Each one is quoted in full, with its source.
How jurisdictions differ
What is distinctive in each definition, binding law in force first.
| Jurisdiction | Instrument | Status | What is distinctive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | Canadian Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute (CAISI) | In Force | Specifies funding through CIFAR, competitive calls, scientific committee oversight, and focus on near-term risk reduction, tools, testbeds, and reproducible methods. |
| Germany | BMBF AI Action Plan 2023 | Adopted | Emphasises application to specific sectors like healthcare and education, and uptake by SMEs and public bodies. |
| Philippines | House Bill No. 7983 (National Center for AI Research Establishment Act) | Under Review | Targets specific national priorities like Filipino language processing, agriculture, disaster resilience, healthcare, and smart infrastructure. |
Definitions (3)
Applied research indicates investigator‑led academic or multidisciplinary projects funded through CIFAR under CAISI's applied stream, selected via competitive calls and steered by a scientific committee. This stream focuses on near‑term, practical risk reduction and development of tools, testbeds, and reproducible methods.
Research directed at applying AI methods to specific sectors or problems (e.g., healthcare, education, public administration), emphasising transfer to practice, validation in real‑world settings and uptake by SMEs and public bodies. The plan distinguishes applied research from foundational research and funds measures to accelerate technology transfer.
Research directed toward specific practical applications addressing identified challenges or opportunities—such as Filipino language processing, agriculture, disaster resilience, healthcare, and smart infrastructure—aimed at producing deployable solutions for national priorities.
Not to be confused with
Research and innovation includes knowledge transfer for socio-economic impact, while applied research focuses on practical applications or tools.
Technology transfer involves adapting research outputs for industry and public sector use, while applied research centres on the research phase before transfer.
Questions and answers
What makes CAISI applied research different?
CAISI defines applied research as investigator-led projects funded through CIFAR, selected via competitive calls and steered by a scientific committee. It focuses on near-term practical risk reduction and development of tools, testbeds, and reproducible methods.
Does applied research mean government-directed work?
No, the Canadian definition specifies investigator-led research, not government-directed projects.
Is applied research the same as basic research?
No, the German definition distinguishes applied research from foundational research, focusing on practical applications in specific sectors.
Related Terms
Research and Innovation (R&I)
Basic and applied research plus knowledge transfer for socio-economic impact....
ICAI Lab
Multi‑year public–private research collaboration....
Advanced AI systems
Models or systems with high‑impact outputs or autonomy....
Technology transfer
Processes to adapt research outputs into applied tools for industry and public sector use....
Government‑directed projects
ISED‑commissioned technical projects executed by NRC....