BC Minister Bell unveils technology sector strategy


 


Minister Bell unveils technology sector strategy



July 13, 2012

Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation


 

BURNABY — Jobs, Tourism and Innovation Minister Pat Bell launched the B.C. government’s strategy to create and support jobs in the province’s fast-growing technology sector today.

 

“Technology is one of eight key sectors we identified in ‘Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan’, but it’s doubly important in that technology supports all of the other sectors through product and service innovations that allow them to grow and create jobs,” Bell said. “Technology enables growth in all sectors and growth means jobs for B.C. families.”

 

As jobs in the technology sector continue to grow twice as fast as any other, B.C.’s Technology Strategy predicts by 2014 there will be over 100,000 high-tech jobs supporting British Columbian families.

 

In order to build on that momentum and support the sector, the strategy focuses on four key action items:

 

·         Accelerate technology commercialization and adoption.

·         Build on regional strengths to create new opportunities.

·         Develop talent for a knowledge-based economy.

·         Expand markets for British Columbia’s technology.

 

The strategy builds on the competitive advantages and investments in B.C.’s main technology subsectors, which include clean technology; information and communication technologies; wireless, digital and screen-based media; and health and life sciences.

 

“Building a knowledge-based society is key to the future of British Columbia – and British Columbians, “ said Greg Peet, chair of Premier’s Technology Council. “This strategy will strengthen and diversify the province’s economy by encouraging the formation and growth of companies in B.C.’s vibrant technology sector.”


 

 

The new $7-million BC Commercialization Voucher Program will connect small and medium-sized companies from a variety of key sectors and regions throughout the province with cutting-edge researchers in B.C.’s post-secondary system. Those collaborations will help get the most innovative products to market faster.

 

"The development and commercialization of technology is crucial for communities throughout this province,” said Minister of State for Multiculturalism John Yap. “The sector provides innovative solutions that make B.C. competitive and bring jobs to communities both big and small.”

“To compete globally, it’s more important than ever that we continue to strengthen the network of resources that support innovation, the development of highly skilled talent and the commercialization of technology products and services right here in B.C.,” said Jill Leversage, board chair of the British Columbia Innovation Council. “BCIC and initiatives such as the BC Commercialization Voucher Program help technology entrepreneurs accelerate their ideas from concept to the marketplace.”

 

The B.C. government also plans to develop a second program, Productivity BC, to help companies increase cost efficiencies, production scalability and business sustainability.

 

In addition, a new government procurement program will help businesses commercialize their ideas and get new products into the marketplace quickly and efficiently.

 

 

Learn More:

 

·         B.C.’s Technology Strategy: http://www.bcjobsplan.ca/technology

·         Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan: www.bcjobsplan.ca