#BCTECH Strategy:
One-Year Renewal and Update
TECHNOLOGY IS B.C.’S COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
For more info and success
stories, visit: bctechstrategy.ca
March 2017
Contents
MESSAGE FROM THE PREMIER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
THE B.C. TECHNOLOGY SECTOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
NEW INITIATIVES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Talent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capital. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Markets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6
8
13
14
16
PROGRESS IN THE #BCTECH STRATEGY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Talent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capital. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Markets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20
20
22
23
CONCLUSION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
APPENDIX A – LIST OF NEW INITIATIVES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
APPENDIX B – LIST OF INITIAL TARGETS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
#BCTECH STRATEGY: ONE-YEAR UPDATE AND RENEWAL
1 Message from the Premier
B.C. IS IN THE ENVIABLE POSITION OF LEADING THE COUNTRY
in job creation and having the lowest unemployment rate. This is in part because
of the leadership and vision of the BC JOBS PLAN. During uncertain economic
times, we stayed the course and stuck to our economic principles and plan.
The Jobs Plan has identified B.C.’s technology sector as an important sector to
B.C.’s overall economic health. Part of the reason for B.C.’s continued growth is the
continued growth and success of the technology sector in B.C. In fact, for the first
time, the sector employed more than 100,000 people last year. These are wellpaid jobs that are helping to create a prosperous future for our children.
“...THE BC TECH SECTOR
EMPLOYED MORE THAN
100,000 PEOPLE
LAST YEAR.”
B.C. is a very successful incubator for startups, and as we work to nurture the
conditions that allow startups to grow into medium- and large-sized companies,
tech firms from outside B.C. are moving here. New and established, these firms
are creating jobs throughout our province.
Technology also plays a huge role for all of B.C.’s industries. In both our rural and
urban settings, introducing cutting-edge technology to traditional processes
improves productivity, quality, and safety. The adoption of technology and
innovation makes our rural resource industries more competitive in the
global marketplace.
A year ago, we committed to 50 actions to help keep the tech sector growing.
These actions are setting the conditions for the growth we’ve seen in the last
year. While we continue to complete and work through our commitments,
we recognize that we can do more. In order to keep pace with the changing
global economy, we have set a number of new initiatives in order to reach
four aspirational goals:
»» JOB GROWTH in the tech sector will remain above the provincial average
and reach 120,000 by 2020. »» INVESTMENT in the B.C. tech sector will be increased by up to $100 million
by 2020.
»» B.C. WILL BECOME A LEADER in the innovation economy by working
to increase the talent pool by 1,000 grads per year by 2022, with increased
graduates in regions throughout the province. »» INCREASE the number of tech companies with 10 or more employees
by 20 per cent by 2021.
We want to ensure that B.C.’s tech sector has the tools to grow so that every
industry has the opportunity to take advantage of the competitive edge that
technology has to offer. Technology is B.C.’s competitive advantage.
THE HONOURABLE CHRISTY CLARK
PREMIER OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
2 Message from the Minister
GLOBALIZATION IS RAPIDLY ACCELERATING THE DIGITAL AGE.
In order for B.C. to stay competitive in a global market, our #BCTECH
STRATEGY must grow and adapt, just as our companies do. This renewal of
the strategy is a reflection of the tech industry’s priorities across all subsectors
including information and communications technology; lifesciences; interactive
and digital media; cleantech; and engineering services. Three years ago, industry
stated that access to capital was their main concern. We responded by creating
the $100-million BC Tech Fund to help promising tech companies succeed. Today,
the priority is talent, and we are making sure that British Columbians are ready to
take advantage of this growing industry by enhancing training in B.C., and when
we can’t meet our labour needs locally, by attracting people from across the
country and around the world.
International trade is also an important aspect of the technology sector, as
reflected in the high volume of two-way trade. In September 2016, B.C. and
Washington State signed a memorandum of understanding affirming shared
interests in creating regional economic opportunities for innovation in the
technology sector. The partnership aims to foster stronger ties across the Cascadia
Innovation Corridor, including collaboration in research, education, workforce
development, transportation and investment. This renewal of the strategy
will continue to find ways to enhance our partnership with the U.S.
“...THE PRIORITY IS
TALENT, AND WE ARE
MAKING SURE BRITISH
COLUMBIANS ARE READY
TO TAKE ADVANTAGE
OF THIS GROWING
INDUSTRY...”
This strategy also identifies the need, and our promise, to leverage the strength
of government procurement and government data to support innovation,
tech company growth, and stronger government services.
The #BCTECH STRATEGY is our commitment to helping foster an
environment that encourages the creation and growth of tech firms in B.C.
We want B.C.-born companies to have the tools and talent they need to grow
at home and stay at home.
HONOURABLE AMRIK VIRK
MINISTER OF TECHNOLOGY,
INNOVATION AND CITIZENS’ SERVICES
3 The B.C. Technology Sector
THE B.C. TECHNOLOGY SECTOR is a major engine
of economic growth in B.C. The most recent BC Stats
profile of the sector shows the immense and growing
impact this sector is having on B.C.’s job growth and GDP.
IN 2015, THE TECH SECTOR:
»» Reached over 100,000 jobs for the first time
at 101,780 1 at 9,905 companies.
»» Had wages 75 per cent higher than the B.C. industrial
average, with average weekly earnings of $1,590.2
»» Had the fifth consecutive year of growth
in employment.3
»» Employed around 4.9 per cent of British Columbia’s
workforce – more than the mining, oil and gas,
and forestry sectors combined.4
»» Generated approximately seven per cent of
the province’s GDP.5
In fact, in the first year of the strategy, early indicators
show that employment in 2016 grew to over 106,000
jobs – and that number is projected to continue growing
– at 10,236 companies.
1
2
3
4
5
4 BC Stats, Profile of the British Columbia High Technology Sector: 2016 Edition, (January 2017), p. 2
BC Stats, Profile of the British Columbia High Technology Sector: 2016 Edition, (January 2017), p. 2
BC Stats, Profile of the British Columbia High Technology Sector: 2016 Edition, (January 2017), p. 16
BC Stats, Profile of the British Columbia High Technology Sector: 2016 Edition, (January 2017), p. 2
BC Stats, Profile of the British Columbia High Technology Sector: 2016 Edition, (January 2017), p. 10
#BCTECH STRATEGY: ONE-YEAR UPDATE AND RENEWAL
EXCITING EXPANSION IN B.C.
BOEING
BOEING RECENTLY OPENED A LAB FACILITY IN
VANCOUVER’S YALETOWN DISTRICT, WHICH DEVELOPS
DATA ANALYTICS-BASED SOLUTIONS FOR
SOME OF THE AVIATION INDUSTRY’S
BIGGEST CHALLENGES.
MICROSOFT
MICROSOFT OPENED A STATE-OF-THE-ART
TECHNOLOGY CENTRE IN VANCOUVER TO CREATE
INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS FOR THE GLOBAL
MARKET AND DEVELOP TECHNOLOGY TALENT
IN BRITISH COLUMBIA.
SALTWORKS TECHNOLOGIES INC.
SALTWORKS TECHNOLOGIES INC. OPENED A NEW
PRODUCTION FACILITY IN RICHMOND. THEY ARE
A LEADER IN WASTEWATER RECLAMATION
AND PART OF B.C.’S GROWING CLEAN TECHNOLOGY
SUBSECTOR.
#BCTECH STRATEGY: ONE-YEAR UPDATE AND RENEWAL
5 New Initiatives
B.C.’S DYNAMIC YOUNG STARTUPS are the beginning of the great
companies of the future, and government is committed to paving the way for
them to grow. Our goal is to increase the number of tech companies with 10 or
more employees by 20 per cent by 2021 by enhancing supports for these small
tech companies. We want B.C. businesses to grow at home and stay at home.
This goal was laid out in the BC JOBS PLAN, and the #BCTECH STRATEGY
lays out the means. Designed to be a living, growing document, in the year
since the strategy was launched, government has continued to consult with
industry stakeholders, and we are already working to enhance our efforts in
the THREE PILLARS.
TALENT: We will deepen the
talent pool by increasing
the number of technology
graduates, attracting more
talent from other jurisdictions,
retraining existing talent, and
innovating our immigration
processes.
CAPITAL: We will improve tax
credits and help companies
pursue federal government
capital.
MARKETS: We will modernize
government procurement.
WE ARE ALSO INTRODUCING A NEW PILLAR:
DATA: We will unlock the value of government data as a provincial
resource for the benefit of citizens. Broadening access to, and use of,
data, with the right safeguards in place, can enable job creation in B.C.’s
technology sector and significantly improve the services government
delivers to citizens. Data is a tool for innovation.
THESE ACTIONS will help the tech
sector, and tech talent, to grow across
all the tech subsectors, but they will
also help other industries throughout
the province because tech is a critical
component of almost every other
sector in B.C. by providing a foundation
for innovation, efficiency and growth.
For instance, the technology sector
is supporting new innovation in
B.C.’s resource sectors, resulting in
productivity gains that continue to
reinforce and grow our already diverse
and vibrant economy. In fact, seven per
cent of all forestry and logging jobs are
considered tech occupations, and the
number is twice that for mining.61
6 WorkBC, British Columbia 2025 Labour Market Outlook: Technology and Science Occupations Profile, (July 2016), p. 8
6 #BCTECH STRATEGY: ONE-YEAR UPDATE AND RENEWAL
#BCTECH STRATEGY: ONE-YEAR UPDATE AND RENEWAL
7 Talent
WE WILL DEEPEN THE B.C. TECHNOLOGY TALENT POOL
In order to supply the tech industry with the necessary
talent, we must, for the longer term, increase the number
of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)
grads, and improve the job readiness of our grads through
experiential learning. In the shorter and medium term,
we must increase the number of people re-training for
tech careers; increase the number of people moving to
B.C. from elsewhere in Canada; and increase the number
of immigrants entering B.C. from around the world.
We have already taken systematic steps to deepen the
talent pool, and now we are taking more. Because the
#BCTECH STRATEGY is a living, changing document,
once we have improved infrastructure, capacity and
processes, and as we continue to refine data and costs,
we will be able to take further pragmatic steps in the
future to keep abreast of B.C.’s talent needs.
TO STRENGTHEN THE TALENT PILLAR,
WE ARE ENHANCING OR ADDING 12 ACTIONS.
FOR OUR B.C. GRADS:
Increase the number of tech grads
Our goal is to increase the number of tech grads by 1,000,
per year, by increasing the number of full-time equivalent
student spaces (FTEs) at post-secondary institutions in
both rural and urban areas. Once the new seats are fully
up and running, funding for them would be approximately
8 #BCTECH STRATEGY: ONE-YEAR UPDATE AND RENEWAL
$42 million a year, or more than $120 million over three
years fully implemented.
The new spaces will be for a mixture of certificates,
diplomas and degrees. Some will constitute an expansion
of existing programs, while others will be for entirely new
programs. Both the new and expanded programming will
be located throughout the province, including the Lower
Mainland, Vancouver Island, the North, Central Interior,
Southern Interior, and the Fraser Valley. Approximately
40 per cent of the projected new graduates associated
with this investment would be from programming located
outside of the Lower Mainland.
Expand work-integrated learning
in existing programs
Experiential learning is an excellent way for students
to hone their “soft” skills. On-the-job experience helps
students develop interpersonal, communication, and
team working skills. It can also enhance problem-solving,
creativity and leadership abilities.
Over the next five years, as programs undergo review,
we will phase in expanded co-op placements for all
institutional degree programs in tech. We will also
increase the number of placements in some tech workplacement programs.
We will make funding available to double the number of placements in the
Innovator Skills Initiative. In 2015/16, 112 startups and 149 students benefited
from the new Innovator Skills Initiative, and demand for the program is growing.
Placements outside of the Lower Mainland reached 40 per cent. The program
is designed to train students to become entrepreneurs. Specifically, the students
are matched with small to medium-size businesses to provide an apprenticeship
in technology entrepreneurship. Student participants are remunerated through
matched contributions from government and partnering businesses to a
combined maximum of $15,000 per student per term.
We will make funding available to double the number of placements in the
BC Tech Co-op Grants program to ensure government meets the growing
demand for co-op placements. Co-op education helps to train students and
address industry needs for job-ready talent by alternating in-class and workenvironment training. It enables post-secondary students to connect their
classroom studies to the real world by gaining technical work experience related
to their program area and to the need of employers. In May 2015, the BC Tech
Co-op Grants program was implemented. Demand for this tech co-op program
is also growing, with 264 placements between May 2015 and April 2016 and
about 681 for the second year of the program. The co-op grant is $2,700 per term,
per student.
We will increase the number of placements in the Mitacs program by two-thirds.
Mitacs brings students together with industry and business, giving them the
opportunity to do research on real-world projects in a range of sectors, including
technology, health, business and engineering. Over the past 16 years, Mitacs has
supported more than 2,800 research internships, trained more than 7,000 student
and postdoc career-skills participants, and supported more than 470 international
research collaborations in B.C.
“...POST-SECONDARY
STUDENTS CONNECT
THEIR CLASSROOM
STUDIES TO THE REAL
WORLD BY GAINING
TECHNICAL WORK
EXPERIENCE...”
Create B.C.’s new Innovation Network
Innovative ideas lead to new technology. Supporting innovation in turn supports
technology, and we intend to support both through B.C.’s new Innovation
Network. In fact, technology and innovation need many of the same inputs
to grow, including talent, research, and collaboration.
This network will act as a bridge between all of B.C.’s 25 public post-secondary
institutions and industry. The focus of this network will be to foster greater
collaboration between public post-secondary institutions and innovation-driven
industries. The network will ensure that training in our post-secondary system
lines up with the needs of industry – so British Columbians are prepared to be
first in line for jobs in the Innovation Economy, particularly the subset that is the
Province’s vibrant technology sector.
#BCTECH STRATEGY: ONE-YEAR UPDATE AND RENEWAL
9 PROFESSOR SANTA ONO, president of UBC, will act as the chief advisor for
the network. Professor Ono will focus on talent, research and innovation, and
superclusters. This includes:
»» DEVELOPING and implementing strategies to attract and retain talent.
»» ALIGNING tech sector needs and post-secondary training and education.
»» IDENTIFYING programs and corresponding investments to meet
industry demand.
»» WORKING with industry, post-secondary institutions and research agencies
to encourage research that meets industry needs and supports innovation.
»» UNDERTAKING a gap analysis to ensure innovation clusters are best
positioned to compete globally.
“ THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK
WITH LEADING RESEARCHERS
IS A CRITICAL COMPONENT
OF RECRUITING THE MOST
PROMISING STUDENTS. ”
To undertake this role, Professor Ono will work closely with the Premier’s
Technology Council (as a member), the BC Innovation Council, the BC Tech
Association, LifeSciences BC, DigiBC and the Clean Tech CEOs Alliance, and
also with partners across B.C.’s innovation network, such as innovation-driven
companies spanning economic sectors, research agencies, industry and business
associations, and post-secondary institutions and associations.
Create the BC Science and Technology Research Chairs Program
Leading researchers and their teams of graduate students and post-doctoral
fellows in research-intensive science and technology programs are essential to
B.C.’s knowledge-based economy. They create and transfer the latest knowledge
and ideas to the workplace and increase innovation.
Competition for retaining and attracting the best graduate students is national
and international in scope. The opportunity to work with leading researchers
is a critical component of recruiting the most promising students.
Building on the highly successful BC Leadership Chairs program, this new research
chairs program will be focused on the technology and life sciences sectors.
Eligible universities are spread throughout the province and include those with
research-intensive graduate programs in science, technology, and life sciences.
10 #BCTECH STRATEGY: ONE-YEAR UPDATE AND RENEWAL
FOR BRITISH COLUMBIANS WHO WANT TO ENTER THE
TECH WORKFORCE FROM ANOTHER FIELD OR SPECIALTY:
Continue the Canada-BC Job Grant
The Canada-BC Job grant (CJG) will continue to help tech-sector employers to
train new and existing staff in companies of all sizes, and across all industries that
use tech to improve competitiveness. Two hundred and fifty grants have been
approved in 2016/17, with 134 employers for 1,350 participants to date.
Recognizing that women are under-represented in the technology industry,
the CJG will soon have a specific stream of funding to train current and new
female employees.
Work with the First Nations Technology Council on their program
Bridging to Technology
“ A SKILLED ABORIGINAL
WORKFORCE IS PART OF
FULFILLING B.C.’S TALENT
POTENTIAL. ”
A skilled Aboriginal workforce is part of fulfilling B.C.’s talent potential. Bridging
to Technology is a comprehensive skills-development program. It includes the
Professional Development training stream for people who are already employed
to empower, enhance and upskill their existing skills sets. It also includes the
Bridging to Technology Certificate Program, which is a 14-week training program
delivered in partnership with and credentialed by the Nicola Valley Institute of
Technology. This program introduces participants to a range of technologies used
in the knowledge economy, with a specific focus on current opportunities in B.C.
Following completion of training, students have the opportunity to complete a
six- to eight-week work experience placement with an industry partner relevant
to the region.
FOR NEWCOMERS:
Work with the federal government to increase the number
of skilled immigrants in B.C.’s tech sector
This government recognizes that growing technology talent at home is a longterm solution to deepening our talent pool. In order to create shorter term
solutions, the B.C. government will work internally and with our federal partners
to find innovative ways to increase the number of skilled immigrants with
technology skills entering B.C. by 1,400 – 1,800 people. We will meet this target
within our existing levers through a tech-specific pilot under the PNP, ensuring
the sector has the capacity they need to attract longer-term talent. We will
also advocate to the federal government for changes to immigration policies
that address tech-sector needs, including streamlining application processes;
ensuring the sector can access talent faster and increasing pathways to citizenship
for international students.
In addition to the actions above, B.C. will continue and enhance specialized
and targeted tech skills-training programs for British Columbians who are
underemployed or unemployed, for those who have just immigrated here,
or those who face unique challenges like Aboriginal people and persons
with disabilities.
#BCTECH STRATEGY: ONE-YEAR UPDATE AND RENEWAL 11 DATA AND THE TALENT PILLAR
TO HELP GUIDE ADVANCEMENTS IN THE TALENT PILLAR, government supported
the BC Tech Association (through the Sector Labour Market Partnership Program)
to research new data. Using historical data from Stats Canada and primary data from
over 400 employer surveys, the resulting work is the 2016 TechTalent BC Report.
THIS NEW REPORT uses a different methodology than our
traditional BC Stats reports. The BC Stats reports have been
foundational to our understanding of the growth and needs
of the tech industry as a whole, while the methodology in this
new report allows us to take a deeper dive into the job data
specifically.7
Using detailed jobs data allows us to see more clearly how best to
match the needs of industry with job training. The report shows
us that if growth continues at its current pace, new tech jobs are
being created at about the same strong pace as new tech workers
are joining the workforce. The report looks beyond the status quo
and demonstrates that if B.C. could bring more workers into the
workforce, the tech sector could easily attain an employment
growth rate of 4.7 per cent, creating desirable new jobs that
make a strong contribution to the provincial economy and to
communities across the province.
The actions in the #BCTECH STRATEGY are endeavouring to
put in place the conditions to create that higher level of growth.
7 It is important to note that the main differences between the two reports are how the tech sector is defined and the methodologies used. BC
Stats defines the tech sector by tech company, and therefore counts only tech company employees. The talent report defines the tech sector by
tech employees, and therefore counts tech workers across all industries. The former can give us information about the growth of tech companies
in B.C., and that growth will include employment that is not tech related. The latter provides us information about the growth of tech jobs in B.C.,
whether those jobs are in tech-specific companies, or other types of companies. The two approaches are equally valid with each providing a
slightly different perspective on a similar story
While both agree that the tech sector is growing and that employment has reached over 100,000, they differ in the count of people employed
by the tech sector. The BC Stats report shows us that the employment number is over 101,000. The talent report shows us that the employment
number is over 148,000. (In the same vein, the BC 2015 Labour Market Outlook reports the number as over 161,000. This report uses a similar
methodology as the BC TechTalent report, but with a more extensive list of tech occupations.)
12 #BCTECH STRATEGY: ONE-YEAR UPDATE AND RENEWAL
Capital
WE WILL IMPROVE ACCESS TO CAPITAL AND CONTINUE TO
SUPPORT OUR COMPETITIVE TAX SYSTEM AND RESEARCH
ENVIRONMENT.
THE $100-MILLION BC TECH FUND is well on its way, but government
wants to continue on this strong foundation by adding two new actions to
the capital pillar.
ursue federal funding under the recently-announced
P
clusters initiative
As part of the federal government’s innovation agenda, the 2016 federal budget
included $800 million over four years for national innovative networks or “clusters”.
We will continue to work with B.C.’s industry leaders to develop a competitive bid
for funding.
Thus far, one session was held in February 2017, organized by the BC Tech
Association and the Premier’s Technology Council, which focused on identifying
critical partnerships and opportunities to build clusters and advance business
innovation. In March, a follow-up meeting was hosted by Professor Santa Ono,
in his capacity as chief advisor for the Innovation Network, to convene industry,
post-secondary leaders and research agencies from throughout the province
to continue, and build on, the discussion on emerging and established clusters
in B.C.
“...INCREASING THE VENTURE
CAPITAL BUDGET BY
$3.5 MILLION PER YEAR...”
E xpand the Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit (IDMTC)
and Small Business Venture Capital Tax Credit
Subject to the approval of the Legislature, government is expanding these
two credits.
»» NOT ONLY do all existing rules for application to the IDMTC still apply,
but as of February 22, 2017, eligibility has been expanded to include
augmented reality and virtual reality products designed to entertain.
»» AS OF 2017, government is increasing the venture capital budget by
$3.5 million per year – that’s a 10 per cent increase which will allow for
up to $11.7 million in additional equity financing for qualifying corporations
annually.
»» AND FOR THE FIRST TIME, companies will be able to participate in
both credits at the same time – allowing for significant savings.
#BCTECH STRATEGY: ONE-YEAR UPDATE AND RENEWAL 13 Markets
WE WILL MAKE IT EASIER TO ACCESS NEW MARKETS.
GOVERNMENT WANTS TO HELP FACILITATE
companies’ access to customers – whether those
customers are within government or across the globe.
We intend to do this by making British Columbia the
most diversified economy in Canada by 2022 and by
modernizing our procurement practices. We want selling
to government to be easier and more transparent.
Government is a key market for B.C. technology products.
We want to be a strong reference customer, so companies
can market their products to other jurisdictions and
customers. We also want to take on more of the risk
associated with the development of new products by
being a bigger part of the growth chain.
WE PROPOSE FIVE MORE ACTIONS TO IMPROVE
THE MARKETS PILLAR.
SELLING TO GOVERNMENT
Create a Procurement Concierge Service
Government wants to be industry’s best customer. Working
as part of the Ministry of Technology, Innovation and
Citizens’ Services, the Procurement Concierge Service
will act as a “matchmaker” between government’s needs
and tech companies of all sizes with solutions. This
program will welcome new ideas by connecting buyers
and vendors through self-serve registries with problems
and opportunities; provide concierge service to support
vendors and buyers; and fund specific opportunities
through a centrally administered program.
Establish an Innovative Ideas Fund
This fund of $2 million annually for three years will
encourage the purchase of new, innovative technology
products. Funding will be available for products that are:
»» SUBMITTED BY B.C. VENDORS and are seen
as beneficial by the B.C. government;
»» INNOVATIVE and not already purchased
by government; and
»» TECHNOLOGY-RELATED.
14 #BCTECH STRATEGY: ONE-YEAR UPDATE AND RENEWAL
Pilot a “Startup in Residence” program
Government and technology companies will come together to rapidly
co-develop, test and launch solutions to real-world public sector challenges
in B.C.’s Startup in Residence Pilot Project. Modelled after a successful program
in San Francisco, the pilot will spur innovation in the public sector while helping
companies demonstrate product/market fit and gain customer validation.
RFPs have been launched to find innovative partners for the project. Successful
candidates will gain insights into working with government, develop their own
IP, and have the chance to sign multi-year contracts for future licence fees or
maintenance work.
SELLING TO OTHER JURISDICTIONS
Expand B.C.’s Export Navigator pilot
Introduced in October 2016, the 12-month Export Navigator pilot helps growthoriented businesses become successful, profitable exporters by connecting them
to the programs and support services that are specific to their needs. Export
Navigator offers services that help businesses, such as homegrown tech
companies, grow from small operations with viable products or services into
growth-stage companies exporting around the world. Designed with growth
in mind, government plans to expand the pilot from four to six regional
communities across B.C. in 2017.
Expand U.S. Trade and Investment Offices
These offices, along with their uniquely qualified staff, are already creating trade
and investment opportunities for B.C. throughout the world. In particular, the
B.C. presence in the United States has been generating a significant return on
investment for the province since its establishment in 2007. In 2015/16, U.S.
Trade and Investment Representatives facilitated 19 trade deals, 68 per cent of
which were valued over $100,000, and $217 million in foreign direct investments.
By expanding the B.C. presence to offices in Seattle and Silicon Valley, we plan to
increase investment in B.C.; entice tech companies to expand into B.C.; connect
B.C. companies with new clients and strategic partners; and attract Canadian
entrepreneurs and technology professionals back home, all while creating a
conduit for the marketing and promotion of immigration pathways to B.C. and
promoting the B.C. brand. This is projected to increase investment in B.C.’s tech
sector by $100 million by year three.
“...SPUR INNOVATION IN
THE PUBLIC SECTOR WHILE
HELPING COMPANIES
DEMONSTRATE PRODUCT/
MARKET FIT...”
#BCTECH STRATEGY: ONE-YEAR UPDATE AND RENEWAL 15 Data
WE WILL MAKE IT EASIER TO ACCESS AND USE GOVERNMENT
DATA FOR THE BENEFIT OF CITIZENS.
WITH EASIER ACCESS TO GOVERNMENT DATA,
the tech sector will have another tool for generating
job-creating innovations.
USES FOR DATA
reate a Centre for Data-Driven Innovation
C
(CDDI) in B.C.
IN 2015, THE UK USED ITS DATA
TO PREVENT FRAUD AND SAVE
$365 MILLION .
A year ago, we said we would look at how public
sector data could be better used for the benefit of
British Columbians. Today, the vision is to create a single,
safe and trusted platform to make new discoveries
with government data that create jobs.
With first-class privacy and security measures, a Centre for
Data-Driven Innovation will provide a secure place where
government data can be safely linked and analyzed to
solve real-world problems. It will encourage innovative
uses of data and guide the translation of data insights
into government actions, while protecting confidentiality
and privacy.
16 #BCTECH STRATEGY: ONE-YEAR UPDATE AND RENEWAL
NEW ZEALAND USED ITS DATA
TO HELP CITIZENS RE-ENTER
THE WORKFORCE AND SAVE
$1 BILLION IN SOCIAL ASSISTANCE
PAYMENTS.
NEW YORK CITY USED ITS DATA
TO BUILD THE NYC BUSINESS
ATLAS, MAKING HIGH-QUALITY
DATA FREE AND USABLE SO
SMALL BUSINESSES CAN MAKE
INFORMED DECISIONS ON WHERE AND WHEN
TO GROW.
&
THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH
COLUMBIA AND THE UNIVERSITY
OF WASHINGTON ANNOUNCED IN
FEBRUARY THE ESTABLISHMENT OF
THE CASCADIA URBAN ANALYTICS
COOPERATIVE TO USE DATA TO HELP CITIES AND
COMMUNITIES ADDRESS CHALLENGES FROM
TRAFFIC TO HOMELESSNESS. THE COOPERATIVE
IS MADE POSSIBLE THANKS TO A $1- MILLION
GIFT FROM MICROSOFT .
GOVERNMENT RECOGNIZES that many rural communities in our province are experiencing lower growth
and employment rates than the urban areas. Our uncertain global economy has led to lower commodity prices,
and economic declines in other provinces and some of our trading partners. This is having a negative impact on
over 140 rural communities that directly depend on natural resource development for their livelihood. Our Rural
Economic Development Strategy addresses these concerns in more detail, but, in short, innovation and technology
are part of the solution to diversifying our rural economies and creating opportunities for growth.
TAKE A LOOK AT JUST SOME OF WHAT’S ALREADY GOING ON…
SPOTLIGHT ON TECH FIRMS
OUTSIDE OF THE LOWER MAINLAND
CAPITAL INVESTMENTS AT OUR WORLDCLASS POST-SECONDARY INSTITUTIONS
THE TECH COMPANIES INSIDE AND AROUND
PRINCE GEORGE EMPLOY ABOUT 830 PEOPLE.
THE B.C. GOVERNMENT IS MAKING RECORD
INVESTMENTS in modern, safe infrastructure
This includes companies like Sparkgeo that builds
next generation web mapping applications for clients
across the world.
projects across the province. Over the next three
years, government is directly investing over $1 billion
in planned capital expenses in the post-secondary
sector. Some recent areas of investment that will
enhance tech training in B.C. include:
The tech firms in and around Kamloops employ more
than 1,400 people. It’s home to Dr. John Church’s
work into the use of drones to track cattle over
rangeland, detecting sickness and managing pastures.
The tech community in Nanaimo employs around
1,500 people, and is home to iDus Controls. iDus
Controls is a leading-edge intellectual propertybased technology company. They specialize in the
development of algorithmic controls with their
primary focus on their SensMitTM‘Mesh to Cloud’
environmental sensing platform.
The Okanagan tech sector employs about 3,700
people and is a more than $1-billion industry annually.
Armstrong is home to Passive Remediation Systems
Ltd. (PRSI). It is a recognized leading phytoremediation
company that specializes in the use of Intensive
Precision AgroForestry to clean up and mitigate the
effects of environmental contamination of air, water,
and soil. For example, poplar trees are planted on
landfill sites to dispose of landfill waste water run-off
in an environmentally-friendly and cost-effective way.
} UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN BRITISH
COLUMBIA IN PRINCE GEORGE: the government
is providing $2.62 million for a new Wood Innovation
Research Lab.
} U
BC OKANAGAN CAMPUS IN KELOWNA:
the government is providing $11.3 million toward
a new Teaching and Learning Centre and a number
of sustainability and infrastructure upgrades.
} T
HOMPSON RIVERS UNIVERSITY IN
KAMLOOPS: the government is providing
$7 million for a new Training and Technology Centre.
} V
ANCOUVER ISLAND UNIVERSITY IN
NANAIMO: the government is providing $16.5
million for a new Health and Science Centre.
B.C.’s post-secondary institutions are an important part
of the innovation network in B.C. Their partnerships
with industry lead to commercialization, talent
generation, and our universities conduct more than
two-fifths of all the research done in B.C.8
For example, 50 life sciences research centres
are located in B.C., representing eight centres of
excellence and $1.5 billion in research infrastructure.
This strong academic and research community has
spun off more than100 companies, raising over
$2 billion in private investments.
8 BCBC, Innovation For Jobs and Productivity, (September 2016), p. 10
#BCTECH STRATEGY: ONE-YEAR UPDATE AND RENEWAL 17 BC INNOVATION COUNCIL AND THEIR REGIONAL INNOVATION TOUR
A CROWN AGENCY OF THE PROVINCE OF B.C., the BC Innovation Council encourages the development
and application of advanced or innovative technologies in order to meet the needs of industry anywhere in B.C.
They accelerate technology commercialization by supporting startups and developing entrepreneurs. With their
partners from Smithers to Victoria, the council delivers programs and initiatives that promote company growth.
Over the past five years, their widespread program to support entrepreneurs (BC Venture Acceleration Program)
created 1,640 jobs, attracted $196 million in investment and generated more than $81.6 million in revenues
provincewide.
One of their partners, Accelerate Okanagan, has released an impact report stating that they have helped their
participating companies to create more than 650 new jobs since 2013.9
The BC INNOVATION COUNCIL recently completed their Regional Innovation Tour through Prince George,
Victoria, Kamloops, Castlegar, Terrace, Kelowna and Nanaimo. The tour connected local innovators with industry
and government in order to discuss challenges and apply new ideas and technology as solutions.
In order to even better connect the council with rural B.C., government has announced the appointment
of a new rural representative to the BC Innovation Council.
AGRITECH CHALLENGE
LAUNCHED AT THE GROWING THE FUTURE TOGETHER: BC AGRIFOOD AND SEAFOOD CONFERENCE
in November 2016, the Agritech Innovation Challenge brings together innovators with industry to develop
a product or process to enhance productivity, sustainability and resiliency in B.C.’s agrifood sector.
With agrifood as one of the largest manufacturing sectors in B.C., the development and adoption of innovative
agritech solutions represent a significant opportunity for B.C. producers and processors to continue to provide
British Columbians with fresh and local foods, become increasingly competitive on the world stage, be better
prepared to adapt to changing climate conditions, and support tens of thousands of jobs in B.C.
INTERNET CONNECTIVITY
ONCE CONNECTIVITY PROJECTS UNDER THE CURRENT PROVINCIALLY-FUNDED PROGRAM HAVE
BEEN IMPLEMENTED, we will have achieved 97 per cent of our stated goal of 100 per cent of British Columbians
with access to high-speed Internet connectivity by the end of 2021.
Connecting British Columbia is a multi-year grant program. It helps to pay for infrastructure required to deliver
high-speed Internet connectivity to homes and businesses in rural locations throughout British Columbia. So far,
24 projects and more than 150 communities have access to telecommunications services to enable adoption
of technology innovations. The program has just been awarded $40 million to continue this work.
The BC Broadband Satellite Initiative has connected over 4,200 households in B.C.’s most remote areas, and
with Provincial support, the First Nations-led Pathways to Technology project has connected 197 First Nations
communities. This spring, five rest areas along provincial highways will have Wi-Fi installed, with 20 more being
delivered in the coming years.
B.C.’s beautiful and rugged terrain has its challenges, but we are rising to that challenge and making sure
all British Columbians have access to high-speed Internet to connect to health services, education and the
global economy.
9
9 https://www.accelerateokanagan.com/files/4914/7380/3097/Economic_Impact_Study_2015_Edition.pdf
18 #BCTECH STRATEGY: ONE-YEAR UPDATE AND RENEWAL
#BCTECH STRATEGY: ONE-YEAR UPDATE AND RENEWAL 19 Progress in the #BCTECH Strategy
TALENT
WE WILL DEEPEN THE B.C. TECHNOLOGY TALENT POOL
WE HAVE BEEN RESPONDING to the talent challenge through our SKILLS
FOR JOBS BLUEPRINT for the past three years. We have been re-engineering
funding at our post-secondary institutions to target training for in-demand
careers, including tech.
Since releasing the strategy, we have introduced new curricula and coding in
our K-9 classrooms, and funded training for new immigrants, Aboriginal Peoples,
women and people receiving employment insurance (EI). We’ve invested in
post-secondary work experience and new seats, and streamlined the application
process for the Provincial Nominee Program.
SINCE OCTOBER 2016
»» PROFESSOR SANTA ONO
was appointed chief advisor
to B.C.’s new Innovation Network.
»» $45 MILLION in funding from the
Province for SFU was announced
for a five-storey, 15,000-sq-metre
Energy Systems Engineering
Building. The building will house
a new multidisciplinary engineering
program, as well as specialized
space for mechatronics
graduate students.
»» $400,000 in funding was
announced to further develop
the tech incubator program,
Technology Entrepreneurship@SFU.
»» $250,000 in funding was
announced for BCIT to support
enhanced fast-track technology
programming, including the
two-year Computer Information
Technology diploma program.
»» TARGETED OPERATING
GRANTS now account for
approximately 22 per cent of the
$1.86-billion budget for public
post-secondary institutions.
The goal is to target about 25 per
cent of operating grants by 201718 to education and training that
supports in-demand occupations,
like technology. This is up from
approximately 10 per cent before
2014-15. Some examples of
how post-secondary education
20 #BCTECH STRATEGY: ONE-YEAR UPDATE AND RENEWAL
institutions have aligned education
and training to labour market
demand include: College of New
Caledonia – applied science
(engineering) certificate; Okanagan
College and The University of
the Fraser Valley – computer
information systems; Vancouver
Island University – information
technology and applied systems.
»» TEACHER TRAINING in coding
began. Between November 2016
and October 2017, there will be 12
workshops in six regions throughout
the province. Over 100 teachers
received training at these sessions
and now have the tools they need
to effectively train their colleagues,
and teach students.
»» 30 SCHOOL DISTRICTS each received $5,000 from the Province’s Skills
Training Access Grant. The Skills Training Access Grant helps school districts
connect students with training by providing funding each year to qualified
districts.
»» 53 DISTRICTS participated in the Province’s Shoulder Tappers program
in the 2016/17 school year: 12 districts received funding from the Northern
Development Initiatives Trust, eight districts in two partnerships shared
$375,000; and 33 districts received a $17,900 grant. Shoulder Tappers help
districts make sure career co-ordinators and recruitment specialists work oneon-one mentoring students, encouraging them with positive input and advice.
»» The CANADA-BC JOB FUND Project-Based Training funded tech training,
including approximately $274,370 for the Aboriginal Software Tester Training
Project and approximately $322,940 for the Data Networking Technician
project for immigrants, Aboriginal Peoples and youth participants.
»» Under the CANADA-BC JOB GRANT (CJG) program, dedicated funding
of $1 million was allocated to the tech sector in 2016/17. CJG exceeded this
target with $1.5 million in funding going to tech-sector employers to train
new or current employees.
»» The CANADA-BC JOB GRANT has helped tech-sector employers train
1,350 new and existing staff to date.
»» The TECHSTART TRAINING PROGRAM for refugees in B.C., funded under
the Canada-BC Job Grant program, brought ISS of BC, tech training providers
and tech employers together to train 13 refugees for jobs in the tech-sector.
One participant has completed the program and is currently working.
Eight are completing training, and four have started. The B.C. government
contribution was $129,000.
»» A LABOUR MARKET PARTNERSHIP with the Kootenay Association
for Science and Technology received $26,655 to study ways for businesses
and job-seekers to benefit from using new technologies such as 3D printers
and scanners.
»» A PROJECT-BASED LABOUR MARKET TRAINING program based out
of Delta is receiving $310,000 for “Fast Track to IT”. The program will see up to
28 immigrant job-seekers receive paid training to work as information systems
analysts through classroom instruction and on-the-job work experience with
local employers.
“WE HAVE BEEN REENGINEERING FUNDING
AT OUR POST-SECONDARY
INSTITUTIONS TO TARGET
TRAINING FOR IN-DEMAND
CAREERS, INCLUDING
TECH.”
»» ONE SECTOR-LED REPORT was released on workforce development
challenges. It articulated labour challenges, including the number of science,
technology, engineering, and math (STEM) graduates ready to enter the tech
sector, “brain drain” to other jurisdictions, challenges with the immigration
system, and training and supports to help British Columbians transition into
tech occupations.
#BCTECH STRATEGY: ONE-YEAR UPDATE AND RENEWAL 21 CAPITAL
WE WILL IMPROVE ACCESS TO CAPITAL AND CONTINUE TO SUPPORT
OUR COMPETITIVE TAX SYSTEM AND RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT.
WHEN WE CONSULTED with the
tech industry three years ago, the
sector told us that access to capital
was their most pressing issue, and
government responded by creating
the $100-million BC Tech Fund. Since
being launched in October 2016, the
BC Tech Fund, managed by Kensington
Capital Partners, has invested in B.C.based Vanedge Capital (a venture
capital firm specializing in investing
in emerging technology companies in
Cloud Computing and Infrastructure,
SaaS, Cybersecurity and Digital Media),
and co-invested in B.C.-based Mojio
(a software developer specializing in
connecting cars to the Internet). For
Mojio, the fund is, in part, helping to
hire more engineers in Vancouver.
The BC Tech Fund will be a catalyst for
economic growth. The fund will benefit
tech companies across B.C. by making
more early stage capital available to
them from within B.C. by investing
in B.C.-based venture capital funds
and making some co-investments
SINCE OCTOBER 2016
»» The BC TECH FUND has invested in Mojio,
and Vanedge Capital II.
BCTECHFund
»» In 2016, the BC KNOWLEDGE DEVELOPMENT
FUND awarded $30 million to 55 projects – most
recently to UBC for research projects that include new
cancer screening technologies, improved treatment
and mitigation of diseases that impair brain function,
examining natural gas-processing, and outcomes
leading to more sustainable, healthy crops.
into B.C.-based companies. This helps
ensure B.C. tech companies can remain
in B.C., grow their business, and create
jobs – thereby growing B.C.’s economy.
Since the strategy was put in place last
year, we’ve also achieved our goal of
increasing the number of companies
using tax credits (though we want
the number to continue to grow), and
we’ve continued to invest in our strong
research environment.
BC Innovation Council funding for the Foresight
Cleantech Accelerator Centre in Surrey.
»» As of Feb. 1, 2017, the SMALL BUSINESS VENTURE
CAPITAL tax credit program has helped to raise more
than $103 million in investment out of a total $116
million available for 2016. This is roughly 10 per cent
ahead of program uptake at the same time last year.
Subject to the approval of the Legislature:
»» Effective Oct. 1, 2017, the PST TAX RATE ON
ELECTRICITY will be reduced to 3.5 per cent from
7 per cent, with the goal of phasing it out completely.
Eliminating PST on electricity is estimated to save
small- and medium-sized businesses about $50 million
per year. These savings will allow business owners to
reinvest in additional equipment, increase wages for
employees or adopt new technologies.
»» The SMALL BUSINESS CORPORATE INCOME
TAX RATE will be reduced to 2 per cent from
2.5 per cent, which means that B.C. will have the
second lowest small business tax rate in the country.
»» The WEST COAST WAVE INITIATIVE at the
University of Victoria was awarded $150,000 from
the INNOVATIVE CLEAN ENERGY FUND.
»» EARLY-STAGE ENTREPRENEURS and startups
in B.C.’s cleantech sector were supported through
22 #BCTECH STRATEGY: ONE-YEAR UPDATE AND RENEWAL
»» The SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND
EXPERIMENTAL DEVELOPMENT TAX CREDIT
is extended for five years to Aug. 31, 2022. This program
is designed to encourage research and development in
B.C. that will lead to new, improved, or technologically
advanced products or processes.
MARKETS
WE WILL MAKE IT EASIER TO ACCESS NEW MARKETS.
SINCE THE LAUNCH of the strategy, we have made
it easier to understand export processes through our
Investment and Export Plans and Export Navigator
pilot, and we’ve continued investments in connectivity,
especially in our rural and remote areas. We have also
delivered on new online tools, like the brand new BC Bid
Resources website designed to provide plain-language
guidance and information to vendors wanting to sell to
government.
SINCE OCTOBER 2016
»» The #BCTECH SUMMIT 2016 was a sold-out
success. Meetings facilitated by the summit resulted
in an estimated $4 million in investment, 33 new jobs,
and more than $800,000 in deal flow.
»» The EXPORT NAVIGATOR PILOT project was
launched in Prince George, Vernon, Comox and
Port Alberni.
GAMES, MOVIES
AND MORE!
B.C. IS HOME TO THE WORLD’S LARGEST
CLUSTER OF TOP VISUAL EFFECTS AND
ANIMATION STUDIOS. THERE ARE MORE
THAN
VISUAL EFFECTS AND
ANIMATION STUDIOS LOCATED
IN THE PROVINCE, INCLUDING
YETI FARM AND BARDEL ANIMATION IN KELOWNA,
AND CLOUDHEAD GAMES IN COOMBS.
»» The BC DEVELOPER’S EXCHANGE continued
to supply opportunities, including to the company
AirSenze, who launched their BCHighways app, which
uses DriveBC data attained through the site.
»» The BC Innovation Council completed their
first REGIONAL INNOVATION TOUR.
»» The CONNECTING BRITISH COLUMBIA program
was awarded a $40-million grant.
»» Deals signed by B.C. companies at AIRSHOW CHINA
2016 in Zhuhai, China, brought Canadian expertise
to a growing Chinese market and are creating new
opportunities here in B.C.
#BCTECH STRATEGY: ONE-YEAR UPDATE AND RENEWAL 23 Conclusion
This renewed #BCTECH STRATEGY will continue the initiatives we have
already begun and enhance our efforts where more can be done. This strategy
will continue to focus on deepening our talent pool through training and
new immigration measures; improving access to capital; improving our
already competitive tax structure; further supporting our first-class research
environments; continuing to support commercialization; continuing the spread
of Internet connectivity; modernizing government procurement; and create
a safe platform for the access and use of government data.
THESE COMBINED ACTIONS WILL HELP SUPPORT THESE
ASPIRATIONAL GOALS:
»» JOB GROWTH in the tech sector will remain above the provincial
average and reach 120,000 by 2020. “A THRIVING TECH SECTOR
MAKES ALL INDUSTRIES
MORE COMPETITIVE .”
»» INVESTMENT in the B.C. tech sector will be increased by up to
$100 million by 2020.
»» B.C. WILL BECOME A LEADER in the innovation economy by working
to increase the talent pool by 1,000 grads per year by 2022, with increased
graduates in regions throughout the province. »» INCREASE the number of tech companies with 10 or more employees
by 20 per cent by 2021.
The technology industry affects B.C.’s bottom line directly, and it also indirectly
affects the bottom line of every industry in this province. A thriving tech sector
makes all industries more competitive through improvements in productivity,
quality and safety. Technology is B.C.’s competitive advantage.
Government will continue to consult with industry about the best next steps
for growth, and, as we define new targets, the #BCTECH STRATEGY will adapt
to capture opportunities and create growth throughout B.C. – rural and urban
alike. Working together, we will continue to grow, strengthen and diversify our
economy. Working together, we will continue to show Canada and the world
that OUR OPPORTUNITY IS HERE.
24 #BCTECH STRATEGY: ONE-YEAR UPDATE AND RENEWAL
#BCTECH STRATEGY: ONE-YEAR UPDATE AND RENEWAL 25 Appendix A – List of New Initiatives
LIST OF NEW TARGETS
Overarching aspirational goals
»» Job growth in the tech sector will remain above the provincial average and reach 120,000 by 2020.
»» Investment in the B.C. tech sector will be increased by up to $100 million by 2020.
»» B.C. will become a leader in the innovation economy by working to increase the talent pool
by 1,000 grads per year by 2022, with increased graduates in regions throughout the province.
»» Increase the number of tech companies with 10 or more employees by 20 per cent by 2021.
TALENT
»»
»»
»»
»»
For our B.C. Grads:
Our goal is to increase the number of tech grads
by 1,000 a year by 2022
Expand work-integrated learning in existing
programs
• Make the funding available to double the number
of placements in the Innovator Skills Initiative
• Make the funding available to double the number
of placements in the BC tech Co-op Grants program
• Increase the number of placements in the
Mitacs program by two-thirds
Create B.C.’s new Innovation Network
Create the BC Science and Technology Research
Chairs Program
F or British Columbians who want to enter the
tech workforce from another field or specialty:
»» Continue the Canada-BC Job Grant
»» Work with the First Nations Technology Council
on their program Bridging to Technology
For Newcomers:
»» Work with the federal government
to increase the number of skilled
immigrants in B.C.’s tech sector
CAPITAL
ursue federal funding under the recently-announced clusters initiative
P
Expand the Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit (IDMTC) and
Small Business Venture Capital Tax Credit
MARKETS
Selling to government
»» Create a Procurement Concierge Service
»» Establish an Innovative Ideas Fund
»» Pilot a Startup in Residence program
Selling to other jurisdictions
»» Expand B.C.’s Export
Navigator pilot
»» Expand U.S. Trade
and Investment Offices
DATA
Create a Centre for Data-Driven Innovation (CDDI) in B.C.
26 #BCTECH STRATEGY: ONE-YEAR UPDATE AND RENEWAL
Appendix B – List of Initial Targets
IN
PROGRESS
CAPITAL
COMPLETE
INVESTING IN A NEW VENTURE CAPITAL FUND
1
$100 million investment to expand the availability of venture capital in B.C. and address the early stage
(A-round) funding gap (though we also recognize the need for access to capital at later stages for
continued company growth)
*
CONTINUE OUR COMPETITIVE TAX RATES AND CREDITS
2
3
Increase the number of B.C. technology companies claiming the Digital Animation or Visual Effects (DAVE)
credit or the Interactive Digital Media Tax Credit (IDMTC)
*
Continue B.C.’s Small Business Venture Capital tax credit program which provides $38.5 million of tax
credits annually
*
CONTINUE TO BUILD A STRONG RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT IN B.C.
4
Genome BC will continue to facilitate turning important insights from genomics into new diagnostic and
treatment services
*
5
Attract and keep top research talent in B.C. to generate the development and application of new ideas in
areas of key importance to the health system through funding to The Michael Smith Foundation for Health
Research (MSFHR)
*
6
Revised the B.C. Knowledge Development Fund criteria to focus on provincial government priorities
*
7
Provide funding to post-secondary institutions to increase commercialization potential
*
#BCTECH STRATEGY: ONE-YEAR UPDATE AND RENEWAL 27 TALENT
IN
PROGRESS
COMPLETE
INDUSTRY-FOCUSED PROGRAMS IN THE POST-SECONDARY SYSTEM
Target funding to programming that supports occupations in demand in the technology sector as part
of government’s initiative to re-engineer 25% of operating grants to support high-demand occupations
Align student financial aid funding to expand eligibility for the B.C. Completion Grant for Graduates
to include students completing programs related to the technology sector
*
10
Continue to promote the use of the B.C. Tech Co-op grants as part of the BCIC Tech Works program
*
11
Recognize the importance of hands-on experience for students – proposals for new technology-related
degree programs will need to include co-operative education or work integrated learning components
8
9
*
*
TIMELY AND RELEVANT LABOUR-MARKET INFORMATION
12
13
14
Provide better information to career educators and their students about a wider range of careers in B.C. Tech
Support the technology sector to customize labour market information, strategies, and tools that address
labour market priorities as part of the Sector Labour Market Partnerships Program
Include an annual provincial 10-year forecast of job openings by occupation, including technology sector
occupations, in the B.C. Labour Market Outlook
*
*
*
APPLIED LEARNING AND ENTREPRENEUR DEVELOPMENT
15
Support technology sector employers to train/up-skill new and existing employees with supporting
funding from the Canada-BC Job Grant
16
Build on the first round of coding academies hosted at five public post-secondary institutions
17
Build on the Mechatronics Technology Entrepreneurship Incubator at SFU
18
Encourage use of the BC Innovator Skills Initiative as part of the BCIC Tech Works program
19
20
*
*
*
*
Support Mitacs programs that enable graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to undertake applied
research projects relating to their expertise within industry
Ideas from Campus to Industry program – in partnership with the Okanagan campus of UBC, government
has funded industry/post-secondary institutions (PSI) consultations targeted on identifying actions to
increase partnerships between industry and PSIs in the Interior
*
*
STREAMLINED IN-MIGRATION PATHWAYS AFTER B.C. HAS MAXIMIZED OUR LOCAL TALENT
21
22
23
24
Help technology companies that need to recruit and access workers from outside Canada through the
B.C. Provincial Nominee Program and work with the federal government to improve their permanent
immigration pathways
Work with other provinces and the federal government to improve labour mobility and increase our ability
to attract workers to B.C.
Provide funding for a foreign qualifications recognition project that will help new immigrants fit their skills
into alternative, in-demand careers in B.C.’s technology sector
*
*
*
*
Promote the federal government’s Express Entry program for workers with in-demand technology skills
DEDICATED PROGRAMS IN THE K-12 EDUCATION SYSTEM
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
Phase in new K-12 curriculum over three years beginning this school year, allowing the opportunity for
over 600,000 students across the province to experience new learning standards in mathematics, sciences,
and other curricula. These standards develop the foundational knowledge and skills for success in the B.C.
technology sector and other technology-enabled sectors
Once the new curriculum is implemented in 2016/17, every student will have the opportunity to learn
coding by the end of Grade 9
New Applied Design, Skills, and Technologies education: an experiential, hands on learning through design
and creation that includes skills and concepts from Information Technology and Technology Education
Promote creative thinking as a core competency across the entire curriculum, including technical and
business education
Increase the number of high school students earning elective graduation credit for participating in Work
Experience Electives in the technology sector
Give students increased access to work integrated learning programs in the technology sector enabling
them to earn credits toward high school graduation while also earning credits towards a post-secondary
certificate or diploma
Support student opportunities to learn coding in school and outside school through courses and special
activities such as the Hour of Code
28 #BCTECH STRATEGY: ONE-YEAR UPDATE AND RENEWAL
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
MARKETS
IN PROGRESS
COMPLETE
MAKING IT EASIER TO SELL TO GOVERNMENT
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
Centralize a procurement program of green technologies to accelerate their adoption by local government
and other public sector organizations (for example the LED Street Lights Across BC procurement program)
Increase the demand for clean tech solutions through the Carbon Neutral Capital Program for ministries,
K-12 schools, health authorities, public post-secondary institutions, provincial Crown corporations
and agencies
Continue to streamline procurement processes analogous to the process used to create the short-form
request for proposals. A streamlined General Services Agreement is currently being piloted
Continue to update plain language, online procurement resources for tech companies looking
to do business with government, including guidance, videos and templates
Introduce modern technology and tools to automate and streamline the entire procurement process
Continue to explore the use of the Open Procurement Hub – a leading edge planning approach allowing
us to collaborate with the vendor community in an open/live moderated forum to answer questions about
the contractual needs of government
Provided an opportunity for B.C. technology companies to participate in face-to-face networking
discussions with key government decision makers as part of the B2B meetings at the #BCTECH Summit
2016 in order to discuss opportunities for innovation and future partnership. This opportunity signals
the initial kick-off for ongoing discussions
Continue the experiment at https://bcdevexchange.org to understand how new approaches to open data,
open source code, open Application Program Interfaces (APIs) and open innovation can bring about both
new business ideas and streamlined ways for the public sector to buy software innovations
Establish a working group involving the Ministry of Health, industry and health sector partners to develop
policy, strategies and tools that will enable uptake of innovations that improve outcomes, productivity
and sustainability of the healthcare system
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MAKING IT EASIER TO SHARE IDEAS
41
42
43
Start work to identify specific examples of where access to data across and within public sectors can be
united in ways to improve public policy and programs, and inform next steps for increasing data available
to B.C. companies to boost economic growth (BC Centre for Data Innovation)
Okanagan Centre for Innovation – with provincial funding of up to $6 million, it will provide low-cost,
flexible space for startups who have graduated from the Accelerate Okanagan Venture Acceleration
Program and are still at a venture stage. Construction is underway and is scheduled for completion
in early 2017
BC Agrifood Venture Acceleration Program – technology and agrifood entrepreneurs can now benefit
from the program
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MAKING B.C. THE MOST CONNECTED PROVINCE
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Committed to providing high-speed Internet access to 100% of British Columbians by the end of 2021
45
Improve the reliability of high-speed Internet access for northern and coastal communities
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FACILITATING BUSINESS GROWTH THROUGH EXPORTS
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Make it easier to find and use services offered by government that equip businesses to expand and sell
to new markets
Improve our competitiveness by developing Sector Investment and Export Plans, one each for life sciences,
cleantech, ICT, and digital media
Realize a 10% increase in the number of tech companies connecting with buyers outside of B.C. by
delivering targeted activities in our key markets, including international trade shows, government-led
trade missions, and through international marketing
BritishColumbia.ca – new features on the province’s digital hub for promoting B.C.’s sectors,
communities and opportunities to the world
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ENCOURAGING COMMERCIALIZATION
50
Increase adoption of cleantech through government’s LNG technology fund, as well as legislation stating
that the entire B.C. public sector be carbon neutral by reducing its greenhouse gas emissions to net
zero each year
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#BCTECH STRATEGY: ONE-YEAR UPDATE AND RENEWAL 29