Attend Barrie’s Open Innovation Forum on Feb. 22, 2017

Invest Barrie’s Open Innovation Forum: February 22, 2017

Canadian manufacturers depend on innovative technologies new technologies to stay competitive. In fact, a recent survey identified that 55% of Canadian manufacturers are currently investing in technologies, while an additional 32% plan to take similar actions in the future. This is for good reason; by adopting innovative technologies, manufacturers can increase profitability and international competitiveness….

Startup Canada Awards 16 Innovative Entrepreneurs

16 Entrepreneurs Win Annual Startup Canada Awards

Every year, an average of 130,000 new Canadian small businesses are established. But despite this entrepreneurial drive, only 35% survive their first five years. While startups are critical to Canada’s innovation and overall business competitiveness, they face extreme pressure to maintain tight cash flow and survive streamlined operations. It can be tough, but entrepreneurs aren’t…

Waterloo Ontario Produces 7 Advanced Technology Firms on Fast 50 List

Waterloo, Ontario Produces 7 Advanced Technology Firms on Fast 50 List

Technology firms are among the largest and fastest growing companies in Canada. In 2015 alone, Canada’s advanced technology industry consisted of over 71,000 firms who contributed over $117 billion in economic output. This is largely based on their willingness to take risks and invest in research and development activities. There are, however, some regions in…

Ontario Economy Growth and Development in 2016

Highlights of Ontario’s Economic Performance in 2016

Ontario’s economy is expected to achieve a 3% growth in GDP based on the province’s performance this year. Previous growth projections expected a 2.6% increase to the province’s GDP, however favourable conditions enabled businesses to increase their competitiveness and drive sales, both domestically and internationally. This is just one of the many trends identified in…

Mitacs Awards Recognize Youth Innovators

Mitacs Awards Highlights the Significance of Developing Research Talent

In order for Canadian businesses to develop innovative products and processes, a generation of skilled researchers and labourers must be raised. But despite the clear connection between research, engineering, and success in globally-competitive industries, 35% of Canadian manufacturers and exporters are unable to find and retain skilled labour. This disconnect is limiting growth potential and…

Ontario Export Awards Recognizes 12 Manufacturers

Ontario Export Awards Recognizes 12 Exceptional Manufacturers

Ontario’s economic health is largely affected by manufacturing exports. In 2015, Ontario manufacturers generated nearly $290 billion in revenue; approximately $197 billion of this was from international customers. Manufacturers who export their products play a valuable role in boosting the province’s economy, from creating high value jobs to generating wealth that fuels future investments. But…

Can the Canadian Manufacturing Industry Double Output by 2030?

Can The Canadian Manufacturing Industry Double Its Output by 2030?

The Canadian manufacturing industry lacks a clear identity, and it’s hindering our ability to be competitive on a global stage. In 2015, Canadian manufacturing sales totalled $610 billion. As of September 2016, sales are on pace to hit $571.9 billion. This $38 billion decline in sales further compounds losses from 2014-15 and continues to jeopardize…

Tips to Improve Your Business' Competitiveness

5 Ways Your Service Firm Can Fine-Tune Its Competitive Advantage

A large majority of our clients are producers in one form or another – manufacturers, assemblers, etc. – most of them make or modify a widget. For these types of operations, defining and improving your competitive advantage typically comes down to a combination of product and service. Companies are able to define themselves on innovative…

Canadian Digital Media Consumption

Digital Technologies are Transforming Canadian Broadcasting

Many Canadians – especially younger generations who have grown up with internet access at their fingertips – are moving away from traditional media as their primary method to consume radio/television broadcasts. Online streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, and online radio channels are capturing more and more users who are driven by accessibility…

How Hillary Clinton's Presidency Would Impact Canadian Business

5 Ways Hillary Clinton’s Presidency Would Impact Canadian Business

Disclaimer: This article does not endorse either political party or presidential nominee. Today is the American presidential election. We’ll soon know who the next leader of the United States is, and with that knowledge, we can begin looking at the new administration’s incoming changes. Yesterday’s blog reviewed Trump’s platform; and in an effort to analyze…