Innovation as the foundation of a post-COVID19 economic recovery plan

Today the BC Government released the final report from Dr. Alan Winter, BC’s former Innovation Commissioner. As noted in the accompanying government press release, Dr. Winter’s report makes the following recommendations:

1. fund the establishment and operation of “innovation precincts” across B.C.;
2. support the development of emerging technology clusters;
3. use the CleanBC plan as an economic driver;
4. incent and protect intellectual property; and
5. invest in leadership talent development strategies.

Over the last two years I had numerous meetings with Dr. Winter as he developed his final report. Needless to say, I am very supportive of the report’s recommendations. His recommendations will be invaluable in helping B.C.’s tech sector to advance and are of particular importance, given our collective challenge of economic recovery in the wake of COVID-19. B.C. is well placed to support and apply technology and innovation as we build a sustainable, low-carbon economy that will benefit all British Columbians.

The BC Government also released the final report of the Emerging Economy Task Force today. As noted in the accompanying government press release, the report made 25 recommendations presented within five key strategic priorities:

1. embracing technology and innovation
2. leveraging B.C.’s green economy
3. building a highly skilled and adaptable workforce
4. ensuring an effective enabling ecosystem
5. demonstrating public sector leadership

An Emerging Economy Task Force was proposed as a means of addressing how technology, innovation and global trends are changing business and society. To stay competitive, B.C. must anticipate the challenges and opportunities associated with change and how they impact the many sectors of our economy, from forestry and mining to tourism and clean technology.

Prior to the release of the reports I met with the Michelle Mungall, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Competitiveness, and Rick Glumac, Parliamentary Secretary for Technology to brainstorm ways of moving forward with the innovation agenda. It’s clear to me that government is excited about the potential for economic advancement in the ways outlined in the aforementioned reports. I look forward to working with the Minister and Parliamentary Secretary as the reports’ recommendations are implemented.

The creation of an Innovation Commission as well as an Emerging Economy Task Force were key aspects of the strategy for the new economy component of the BC Green Party Platform  that I championed in the 2017 Provincial Election. I was delighted that the BC NDP shared my vision and agreed to including both as key elements of the Confidence and Supply Agreement.

Over the last three years it has been a distinct pleasure working with government, Dr. Alan Winter (Innovation Commissioner) and Ms. Kathy Kinloch (Chair, Emerging Economy Task Force and President of BCIT) as these reports were developed. I wish to extend my sincere thanks to all members of the Emerging Economy Task Force, as well as Dr Winter, for their exceptional work that will be invaluable as we move forward with a post COVID19 recovery plan.