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[Top] [Previous] [Next] Wealth through Technological Entrepreneurship
Issues
Government should not have a direct role in fostering technological entrepreneurship. By definition, entrepreneurs should have the skills and instincts required for success without government assistance. However, governments must be important contributors to shaping an environment that stimulates technological entrepreneurship.
The role of government as a catalyst in the advancement of technological entrepreneurship needs to be effective and consistent.
The background report prepared by Dr. Blais and his contributors cites OECD studies showing that a major "innovation gap" has persisted for some time, highlighted by Canada's relatively low production of high-technology goods and services. In fact, Canada was the only G-7 country in which the average annual change in productivity was negative during 1979-95. The Blais report discusses deficiencies in Canada's capacity to develop and adopt new technology. The other "gaps" it describes suggest an even more fundamental problem of inadequate understanding of science and technology in general.
Canada requires a coherent strategy that will make it more competitive in the New Economy. Technological entrepreneurship is an essential element of any successful strategy.
The background report examines the environment for innovation in Canada and notes the problems caused by fragmentation among governments, industry and universities. It highlights the problems of financing start-ups and stresses the importance of innovation to the growth of small-and medium-sized enterprises (SME's) and their export activities.
Innovation is fostered by education, environment and opportunities. Canada must improve its performance in all three categories. It must also improve the links between venture capital and technological start-ups.
The background report also reviews the economic significance of today's New Economy, its reliance on knowledge-based activities and the reasons for the present "innovation gap" in Canada. It indicates that Canadian engineers have not fully adapted to the requirements of the New Economy and outlines specific skills that engineers need in order to be effective in this quite different environment.
Canadian engineers are not yet adequately prepared to participate effectively in the New Economy.
Finally, the background report discusses the traits of successful entrepreneurs and finds that engineers are well-prepared technically. Nevertheless, appropriate education and access to relevant information can greatly increase the probability of their success as entrepreneurs. Although most engineering faculties now offer optional courses in entrepreneurship, the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board does not yet accredit them. Moreover, the future of these courses is uncertain in some locations, since they are often taught by individual champions and do not have the support of many faculty members.
If engineers are to be encouraged in technological entrepreneurship, basic changes are needed both in the way engineering is taught and in programs accredited for admission to professional practice.
[Top] [Previous] [Next]Wealth through Technological Entrepreneurship
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