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Wealth through Technological Entrepreneurship

Action Plan

It is evident from the recommendations in this report that the successful outcome of a country-wide commitment to increase competitiveness and employment by growth in technology-based business requires the concerted efforts of many stakeholders.

To maximize this participation, and to harness the ideas and energies that will result, it is proposed that a National Steering Committee on Technological Entrepreneurship (NASCENT) be formed, initially composed of one representative from each of the principal engineering and business organizations in Canada, with power to add. The founding members of NASCENT would be:

• Alliance of Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters
• Association of Consulting Engineers of Canada
• Business Council on National Issues
• Canadian Academy of Engineering
• Canadian Advanced Technology Association
• Canadian Chamber of Commerce
• Canadian Council of Professional Engineers
• Canadian Federation for Independent Business
• Canadian Federation of Business School Deans
• Conference Board of Canada
• Engineering Institute of Canada
• Information Technology Association of Canada
• National Committee of Deans of Engineering and Applied Science
• The Committee would be initially created for three years and cease to exist thereafter, unless strongly supported to do so by the business community based on results achieved.
• The direct operating expenses of the Committee (essential travel, communications, information services, technical requirements, etc.) would be funded by a grant from the federal government, based on appropriate budget, reporting and accountability criteria.
• The Committee would function at arm's length from governments; government representatives would have observer status.
• The purpose of the Committee would be to define priorities, policies and programs and to implement activities that strongly enhance technological entrepreneurship formation and success in Canada; it would review and optimize the recommendations of the Academy and encourage all sectors of Canadian society to participate in proposing, developing and applying effective programs and work plans.
• The Academy offers to coordinate the work of NASCENT.

Wealth through Technological Entrepreneurship