The federal government must be willing to make substantive policy changes and investments if it wants the forthcoming Innovation Agenda to succeed, concludes the first in a series of papers being issued by the Information Technology Association of Canada (ITAC).

The document — an overview of four more detailed papers to be released in the coming weeks — urges the government to take a whole-of-government approach to innovation programming and policy development, involve the tech sector throughout the process, and "circle back with experienced ICT leaders to table plans before they become final".

The Canadian information and communications technology sector accounts for more than 36,000 firms of all sizes, employs more than one million people and collectively invests $4.9 billion in R&D annually.

"ISED (Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development ) is a fantastic supporter of innovation, but many of the policy issues restricting innovation fall under other departments' jurisdictions," states the paper. "Departments that work on programs and files directly impacting Innovation Agenda imperatives need to be held accountable."

Subsequent policy papers will focus on

• Modern Digital Economy Innovation;

• Competitiveness & Trade Innovation;

• Modern Digital Government Innovation; and,

• Talent & Skills Development Innovation.

ITAC also recently released its pre-Budget submission, making seven recommendations based on four themes developed by its tax and finance committee: digital government, digital economy, talent and competitiveness.

"The technology sector is not just a vertical: it's a horizontal that fuels every single sector across the country ... Over the past few years, disruption has established itself as the new normal and economic prosperity has become firmly linked to innovation. This time the economic stakes are too high for the innovation agenda to fall short." — ITAC Position Paper

In the 2017 Budget, ITAC is urging the government to create a digital leadership advisory council and a new agency, Digital Service Canada; change the capital cost allowance rate to incent more private sector digital infrastructure; enable 5G technology in Canada; fund telehealth services in urban and remote communities; fund ITAC's CareerMash student digital skills initiative; fund experiential learning opportunities within the technology sector; and, hold a holistic consultation on taxation and innovation.

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