Sensitive Research Technology Areas

The list of Sensitive Technology Research Areas (STRA) encompasses both advanced and emerging technologies crucial to Canada’s research and development efforts. However, these areas also attract attention from foreign states, state-backed entities and non-state actors aiming to unlawfully acquire Canada’s technological innovations.

While fostering growth in these domains is vital for Canadian innovation, it's important to ensure that government-funded, open and collaborative research does not jeopardize the country’s national security or defence.

This inventory spans research domains and technologies at different development phases, particularly emphasizing the progression of technology throughout the research process. It does address the application of technologies that are already widely used in research settings. Each broad technology category is broken down into sub-categories to give you a clearer understanding of the primary areas of concern.

The STRA list is subject to ongoing review and will be updated regularly to reflect the progression and emergence of technologies, incorporating new insights and information from scientific and technical experts from the Government of Canada, allied nations and the academic community.