NEWS RELEASE | |
For Immediate Release 2016PREM0005-000046 Jan. 18, 2016 |
Office of the Premier Ministry of Technology, Innovation and Citizens' Services |
#BCTECH Strategy cultivates talent, creates investment opportunities | |
VANCOUVER – Premier Christy Clark today unveiled a multi-year #BCTECH Strategy that will support growth of B.C.’s vibrant technology sector – and strengthen British Columbia’s diverse knowledge-based economy. The Premier unveiled the #BCTECH Strategy at the sold out #BCTECH Summit, which is bringing together more than 2,800 business leaders, tech companies, entrepreneurs, investors, academics and students. “The #BCTECH Strategy is a key component of the BC Jobs Plan and contains a mix of new, enhanced and existing initiatives – all of which are aimed at creating an environment for further growth and investment in the tech industry,” said Premier Clark. As a result of extensive consultation with the tech sector, the new #BCTECH Strategy focuses on three key areas: access to capital for promising companies, talent development and market access. In addition to the recently announced $100-million BC Tech Fund, which will create an avenue for capital funding for promising start-up companies – the plan highlights K-12 curriculum which will provide the opportunity for more than 600,000 B.C. students to gain basic skills needed for careers in technology. Targeted programs include coding academies, greater access to work experience electives for high school students, and dual credit partnerships between secondary and post-secondary institutions. “We all want a diverse, knowledge-based economy that supports innovation. That's why government is working with colleges, universities, institutes and the tech industry to adjust training and education to meet current and future demand for talent – as one-quarter of government funding for the post-education sector is earmarked for jobs in demand,” said Premier Clark. The #BCTECH Strategy also includes activities that continue to streamline, simplify and automate government procurement processes, facilitate exports, invest in connectivity infrastructure, and improve collaboration and commercialization. Quick Facts:
Learn More: #BCTECH Strategy: www.bctechstrategy.ca For live web casts, photos/videos and more info on the #BCTECH Strategy, visit https://news.gov.bc.ca/stories/bctech-strategy Premier’s Technology Council: www.gov.bc.ca/premier/technology_council BC Technology Industry Association: www.bctia.org/ BC Innovation Council: www.bcic.ca BC Business Council: http://www.bcbc.com/ Two backgrounders follow with participant quotes and highlights from the strategy. |
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Media Contacts: | |
Sam Oliphant Press Secretary Office of the Premier 250 952-7252 | Joanne Whittier Communications Manager Ministry of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services 250 387-0172 |
BACKGROUNDER | |
For Immediate Release 2016PREM0005-000046 Jan. 18, 2016 |
Office of the Premier Ministry of Technology, Innovation and Citizens' Services |
#BCTECH Summit participant quotes | |
Amrik Virk, Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services – “Technology is everywhere and the impact it has on our daily lives is immense. B.C.’s tech strategy represents the steps government is taking to encourage growth of the sector and build the tech leaders of tomorrow to ensure that B.C. has the talent and investment needed so that companies can develop innovative products and ideas to fuel our economy.” Mike Bernier, Minister of Education – “Building our talent pool is a significant piece of the strategy. We need to ensure that B.C. companies have the talent they need to build their business and develop their ideas. The K-12 curricular changes focusing on math, sciences, coding and creativity will develop the fundamental skills needed for careers in technology.” Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour – “The technology sector has a principal role in the BC Jobs Plan and the BC Tech Strategy is a renewal of our commitment to the sector. Through investments and actions related to capital, talent and markets, we are providing support so that technology can continue to be a crucial job creator, and drive innovation and productivity across all industries.” Terry Lake, Minister of Health – “Investments in organizations including Genome BC and the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research are instrumental in helping British Columbians live healthier lives. Developing top research talent and building new knowledge results in leading health practices, new advancements and ultimately translates into leading health practices.” Teresa Wat, Minister of International Trade – “B.C.’s tech strategy builds on the $100 million BC Tech Fund that we announced last month that will help promising tech companies get the capital funding they need to start their businesses. When combined with the additional investments related to the talent and markets pillars, B.C. now has a comprehensive strategy designed to strengthen the technology sector, stimulate economic growth and create jobs.” Andrew Wilkinson, Minister of Advanced Education – “Our government is deepening the talent pool with strategic investments and targeted funding to ensure that tech companies can access the best people for technical, business or senior management roles. The BC Tech Strategy outlines a comprehensive plan that will place greater emphasis on technology in post-secondary education and include grants, coding academies and funding to connect graduate students with industry and business.” Mary Polak, Minister of Environment – “B.C. is on the leading edge of clean technology solutions, with over 200 clean technology firms, many of which are gaining global recognition for their leadership. A key aspect of the tech strategy is improving access to capital and this is invaluable to cleantech early-stage companies so they can realize their growth potential.” Bill Tam, president and CEO of the BC Technology Innovation Association – “We're pleased to see that the government is focused on the priority areas that the tech community has identified. The strategy is an important step and the venture capital announcement will have significant impact. Talent remains a critical priority and we are pleased to see that the government is committed to a data-led process that will see additional future investments in addressing the talent needs of the industry.” Greg Peet, co-chair, Premier’s Technology Council – “This strategy sends a strong message to companies within and outside of B.C. It will provide companies with the right talent, capital and access that’s required for industry to grow and succeed. It also highlights how government continues to work closely with the tech sector and its leaders.” Don Mattrick, industry chair of #BCTECH Summit – “The summit and the release of the B.C. Tech Strategy are taking place at a time when we are seeing great things happen in B.C.’s tech sector. It will be good to have industry experts, entrepreneurs and venture capitalists at one forum, building business opportunities that will leverage that growth.” Greg Caws, president and CEO, BC Innovation Council – “The #BCTECH Strategy will have significant implications throughout B.C. Greater access to capital funding will complement the work of the 13 regional partners in our BC Acceleration Network, which already support entrepreneurs and startups across the province. The strategy will help build B.C.’s competitive advantage, because tech supports all businesses, new and traditional.” Greg D’Avignon, BC Business Council – “There is not an organization or enterprise in British Columbia that is not in the technology business, and their ability and need to adopt new technologies is only going to increase. This strategy, and the various investments which will flow from it, will strengthen not only B.C.'s technology cluster, but will create a myriad of opportunities, services and new businesses that improve firm competitiveness and productivity across the economy in an increasingly fast paced global world.” |
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Media Contacts: | |
Sam Oliphant Press Secretary Office of the Premier 250 952-7252 | Joanne Whittier Communications Manager Ministry of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services 250 387-0172 |
BACKGROUNDER | |
For Immediate Release 2016PREM0005-000046 Jan. 18, 2016 |
Office of the Premier Ministry of Technology, Innovation and Citizens' Services |
#BCTECH Strategy highlights from the talent pillar | |
Industry-focused programs in the post-secondary system
Timely and relevant labour-market information
Applied learning and entrepreneur development
Streamlined in-migration pathways after B.C. has maximized our local talent
Dedicated programs in the K-12 education system
Grades K-5
Grades 6-9
Grades 10-12
#BCTECH Strategy highlights from the markets pillar Making it easier to sell to government
Making it easier to share ideas
Making B.C. the most connected province
Facilitating business growth through exports
Encouraging commercialization
#BCTECH Strategy highlights from the capital pillar Investing in a new BC Tech Fund
Continue our competitive tax rates and credits
Continue to build a strong research environment in B.C.
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Media Contacts: | |
Sam Oliphant Press Secretary Office of the Premier 250 952-7252 | Joanne Whittier Communications Manager Ministry of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services 250 387-0172 |