Government of Nova Scotia
Economic Development
Business Climate Index


Development Capacity

Nova Scotia continued its 4th place ranking in Canada and 1st place ranking in Atlantic Canada in Development Capacity. Development capacity refers to the quality of the social and physical infrastructure supporting economic performance. Nova Scotia’s rankings improved in high school attainment, health professionals per capita, patents granted, venture capital investments and major crimes. It slipped in graduates with advanced degrees, and internet use. Challenges continued in the level of financial resources available to business and attraction of immigrants.

INDICATORS 2000r 2001
Human Resources Post-secondary Education Attainment 1 1
High School Attainment 5 4
Low Education Attainment 6 6
Skilled Immigrants 6 6
Technology Resources Graduates with Advanced Degrees (replacing Doctorate Graduates) 3 5
Science/Engineering Graduates 2 3
Patents Granted 9 7
Financial Resources Venture Capital Investments 8 6
Business Loans Per Employee 6 6
Infrastructure and Amenities Health Professionals Per Capita 4 2
Highway Quality 3 2
Internet Use 4 5
Land Cost 4* 4*
Major Crimes 5 4
Sewage Treatment 8* 8*
Overall Ranking Development Capacity 4 4

r = ranking has been revised to include new indicators and revisions by Statistics Canada
* not included in calculating the overall ranking; comparable data not available

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