India and beyond- Professor Fraser Taylor works in support of the Canada-India Centre for Excellence in Science, Technology, Trade and Policy

By Nick Ward

Fraser Taylor wears many professional hats.  Renowned for his reputation as a Distinguished Research Professor of International Affairs and Geography and Environmental Studies, he also acts as the Director of the Geomatics and Cartographic Research Centre.  Taylor’s resume doesn’t end there.  He also holds the prominent role of chairing the International Steering Committee for Global Mapping and is an expert on international development.

Though his main interests revolve around cartography and the issues surrounding the field, Taylor has an astonishing background in international advancement. His erudition in these two distinct fields makes him a scholar sitting between two worlds.  It also makes him one of Carleton’s great assets.

Throughout Taylor’s astonishing career he has travelled the world and has lent his vast and unique skill set to countless countries and continents, helping them with mapping, data and socio-economic issues.  Amongst his many international achievements, Taylor has worked with Africa on political issues, helped China on social development and has been an advisor to Mexico on economic expansion.

Possessing an incredible amount of international experience and being well versed in both application and technology, Taylor is a natural fit in his role at Carleton in working with India in his continued support of the Canada-India Centre for Excellence in Science, Technology, Trade and Policy.

As Carleton’s engagement with India continues to intensify, Taylor’s knowledge base has become even more invaluable.

Given that India has the reputation of having the propensity to form personal relationships and mutual understanding before engaging in business; Taylor’s abilities in diplomacy have been an asset in helping Carleton to forge a solid relationship with the rapidly rising nation.  Also helpful is the fact that Taylor has longstanding relationships with many industry and government players in India, and has acted as an advisor to the Indian Government for years.

Taylor has been working with India in support of Carleton’s Centre of Excellence in a variety of ways: He was a member of the Canadian Geomatics Science and Technology Mission to India this past January and gave one of the inaugural addresses to the Geospatial World Forum in Hyderabad.  He also helped organize a geomatics breakout session at the Innovation Summit held at Carleton in July.

It is Taylor’s hope that with the help of his work, the relationship between Carleton and India will continue to flourish.

When asked how to effectively cooperate with Indian counterparts, Taylor offers this sage advice.

“The key to effective cooperation in India is developing personal relationships and friendships with key players over the long term.”

As the Canada-India Centre for Excellence in Science, Technology, Trade and Policy progressively becomes a more prominent feature of Carleton University, it is evident that Professor Taylor has played a significant role in cultivating an enduring and fruitful relationship between Carleton and India.