The Canadian government usually takes its time to launch new services, however, when it comes to its renewed zest for innovation, it’s moving fast. Last week, we reported that a new strategy was en route that would see the government unveil a plan to enable Canadians to partake in an interactive website promoting innovation.
Today, as part of its Innovation Agenda, this service is now live with the goal of getting Canadians to “share their ideas for building Canada as a global centre for innovation.” The program was unveiled and backed Navdeep Bains, minister of innovation, science and economic Development, Bardish Chagger, minister of small business and tourism, and Kirsty Duncan, minister of science.
According to the three ministers, innovation is all about the ability to turn “ideas into solutions, science into technologies, skills into jobs and start-up companies into global successes.”
“Government cannot act alone if Canadians expect to see meaningful results. Every sector of society has a role to play in ensuring that all Canadians have the opportunity to participate fully in an innovation economy. That’s why we are inviting Canadians to offer their solutions on how to foster a culture of innovation,” said Bains in a statement sent to MobileSyrup. “By making innovation a national priority, we ensure that Canada’s middle class continues to thrive, with good-paying jobs for a highly skilled and educated workforce.”
To ensure this innovation dream becomes a reality, and to make an “inclusive and innovative Canada,” the ministers will be hitting the road for a summer-long period of public engagement focused on six areas: promoting an entrepreneurial and creative society, supporting global science excellence, building world-leading clusters and partnerships, growing companies and accelerating clean growth, competing in a digital world, and improving ease of doing business.
The government has set up a dedicated site where Canadians can participate and submit their ideas for innovation. Unfortunately, there is no word if the idea shared is destined for public use or if the idea is still owned by the person who created it.
However, the site gives tools to resources on how to find funding and tax credits; tools to find advisory services; and free one-on-one assistance from an expert Innovation Advisor.
[source]Innovation[/source]
