Government of Canada invests in Canadian business innovation

Making Canada a global leader in the digital economy

StarBuzz Weekly, Toronto-(November 14, 2011, Ottawa, Ontario) — The Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry, announced an $80 million investment over three years to help accelerate the adoption of information and communications technologies by small and medium-sized businesses. The pilot initiative demonstrates Government support for the digital economy by promoting the adoption and use of digital technologies to foster innovation and productivity and to create jobs and long-term economic growth.

“The Government of Canada is investing in the people and ideas that drive the digital economy,” said Minister Paradis. “This new program will help more than 600 small- and medium-sized enterprises integrate innovative technologies into their businesses and create jobs and economic growth.” 

The Digital Technology Adoption Pilot Program will assist Canada’s overall productivity and create market growth and opportunity. This Budget 2011 investment in support of Canada’s Digital Economy Strategy is the latest in a series of legislative and program initiatives, reflecting the Government’s emphasis on the digital economy. It provides a framework to encourage the private sector to adopt new technologies, and to develop the digital workforce of tomorrow.

Given its national presence, the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) Industrial Research Assistance Program was selected to deliver the initiative to further provide small- and medium-sized enterprises with its services and extensive network of technical experts.NRC will engage community colleges to collaborate with SMEs by providing advisory services and expertise as appropriate.

The next phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan highlights the importance of innovation and the digital economy to sustainable economic prosperity, making Canada an even more attractive international destination for research, investment and work.