North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Canada 2017 Version 1.0

54 - Professional, scientific and technical services

This sector comprises establishments primarily engaged in activities in which human capital is the major input. These establishments make available the knowledge and skills of their employees, often on an assignment basis. The individual industries of this sector are defined on the basis of the particular expertise and training of the service provider.

The main components of this sector are legal services; accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping and payroll services; architectural, engineering and related services; specialized design services; computer systems design and related services; management, scientific and technical consulting services; scientific research and development services; and advertising, public relations, and related services.

The distinguishing feature of this sector is the fact that most of the industries grouped in it have production processes that are almost wholly dependent on worker skills. In most of these industries, equipment and materials are not of major importance. Thus, the establishments classified in this sector sell expertise. Much of the expertise requires a university or college education, though not in every case.

Establishments primarily engaged in providing instruction and training in a wide variety of subjects and those primarily engaged in providing health care by diagnosis and treatment are not included in this sector.

541 - Professional, scientific and technical services

This subsector comprises establishments primarily engaged in activities in which human capital is the major input. These establishments make available the knowledge and skills of their employees, often on an assignment basis. The individual industries of this subsector are defined on the basis of the particular expertise and training of the service provider.

The main components of this subsector are legal services; accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping and payroll services; architectural, engineering and related services; specialized design services; computer systems design and related services; management, scientific and technical consulting services; scientific research and development services; and advertising, public relations, and related services.

The distinguishing feature of this subsector is the fact that most of the industries grouped in it have production processes that are almost wholly dependent on worker skills. In most of these industries, equipment and materials are not of major importance. Thus, the establishments classified in this subsector sell expertise. Much of the expertise requires a university or college education, though not in every case.

Establishments primarily engaged in providing instruction and training in a wide variety of subjects and those primarily engaged in providing health care by diagnosis and treatment are not included in this subsector.

5417 - Scientific research and development services

This industry group comprises establishments primarily engaged in conducting original investigation, undertaken on a systematic basis to gain new knowledge (research), and in the application of research findings or other scientific knowledge for the creation of new or significantly improved products or processes (experimental development). The industries within this industry group are defined on the basis of the domain of research; that is, on the scientific expertise of the establishment.

54171 - Research and development in the physical, engineering and life sciences

This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in conducting research and experimental development in physical, engineering and life sciences, including electronics, computers, chemistry, oceanography, geology, mathematics, physics, environmental, medicine, health, biology, botany, biotechnology, agriculture, fisheries, forestry, pharmacy, veterinary and other allied subjects.

541710 - Research and development in the physical, engineering and life sciencesCAN

This Canadian industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in conducting research and experimental development in physical, engineering and life sciences, such as electronics, computers, chemistry, oceanography, geology, mathematics, physics, environmental, medicine, health, biology, botany, biotechnology, agriculture, fisheries, forestry, pharmacy, veterinary and other allied subjects.

  • Illustrative example(s)

    • bacteriological research and development laboratories
    • biotechnology research and development laboratories
    • entomological research and development laboratories
    • environmental (pollution) research and development laboratories
    • genetics research and development laboratories
    • health (e.g., cancer, cerebral palsy) research and development laboratories
    • mathematics research and development services
    • research and development laboratories or services, engineering
    • research and development laboratories or services, physical sciences

    All examples

  • Exclusion(s)

    • performing clinical laboratory testing for the medical profession (See 621510 Medical and diagnostic laboratories)
    • performing laboratory testing for the veterinary profession (See 541940 Veterinary services)
    • physical, chemical or other analytical testing services (See 541380 Testing laboratories)
    • research and development on aerospace equipment undertaken by establishments belonging to enterprises manufacturing such equipment (See 336410 Aerospace product and parts manufacturing)
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