I think effective R&D can be driven from both ends, needs and academic interests.

Time will tell whether the supercluster initiative pays.  It may be too diffuse and lack the concentrations to be effective.

Historically, Canada has focused funding on the "commerce paradigm" by using tax credits for business driven efforts (SR&ED program).  Since the 2012 federal budget, funding has shifted toward chosen sectors and driven by the "commercialization paradigm".  So far, business R&D spending has fallen in response.  Time will tell whether technological competitiveness does too.