Denys Cooper joined the National Research Council’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) in 1973 as an industrial technology advisor. He was appointed a director of the technology transfer element in 1989.

Currently, as a senior advisor, he is studying the growth of SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) and maintains an interest in the socio-economic impact of university spin-off firms. In 1999, Cooper was appointed director of IRAP Strategic Alliances, with a particular focus on international collaborations with SMEs. He has also worked extensively with the biotechnology sector. In particular, he has tracked their bio finance investments.

Cooper has a Ph.D. in polymer science from the University of Liverpool in the UK.

• University Spin-Offs in Canada: Universities Produce Strong Gazelles (September 20, 2005)