Editorial - 22-17

If it's true that good ideas bear repeating, then the latest report from the Conference Board of Canada may have hit a bull's eye. The document is the result of a lengthy process of consultation and examination by a group of industry and institutional leaders and it pitches a handful of technology sectors it contends Canada should aggressively pursue (see page 3).

The Leaders' Panel on Innovation-Based Commerce says clean energy, water management and regenerative medicine offer Canada the best opportunities for building successful global companies. These tech-rich sectors have often been cited in lists of technologies where Canada should focus and their emergence here is a reaffirmation of the world-class research behind them.

What makes the argument even more powerful, however, is the Conference Board's strong emphasis on a culture of commerce. Aside from the obvious altruistic and social benefits, the overriding objective of targeting specific technologies is to create and grow companies and increase commerce on a global scale.

Also important is the report's inclusion of government assistance in the mix. By calling for new funding and dedicated funds to advance technology development and commercialization, the Conference Board embraces the critical role governments can play in enhancing innovation.

This can also manifest itself in other frequently cited areas where government can make a difference, namely procurement and support for demonstration projects. The Conference Board should be commended for making sure these issues remain front and centre.