Introduction | Previous | Next  How We Will Get There To move toward our destination, we must take co-ordinated action in seven strategic directions. These directions will be the tools to build vital economic sectors—both our foundation industries and new growth opportunities. When appropriate, government will lead; at other times, it will be a partner. Strategic Directions Opportunities for Prosperity outlines actions and next steps for the issues identified within each strategic direction: Business climate. Make it easier for business to start and grow, creating income and jobs. Issues: deficit and debt, taxes, regulations, entrepreneurship, and aboriginal and treaty rights Infrastructure. Put in place the strategic infrastructure for economic development. Issues: transport (highways, ports, harbours, airports), municipal infrastructure, IT and communications, social infrastructure, and environment Innovation. Strengthen the innovation system in Nova Scotia. Issues: federal investment, technology adoption, R&D, commercialization, and demonstration projects Labour force. Ensure the labour force is able to take advantage of opportunities. Issues: matching employment opportunities and training, youth, immigration, barriers/inclusion, and employer skills Investment. Increase investment, both local and external. Issues: public education, investment framework, cluster development, marketing Nova Scotia, federal/provincial co-operation, internal investment, and business retention and expansion Exports. Actively encourage Nova Scotian exports. Issues: export promotion, trade missions, broadened trade focus, market intelligence, key sectors, export readiness, and Brand Nova Scotia Regional capacity. Support regions as they take charge of their own futures. Issues: policy framework, planning, opportunity identification, community capacity, regional development agencies, and communities of interest Vital Economic Sectors The seven strategic directions will affect all sectors that contribute to and help build Nova Scotia’s economy, but to focus our efforts and maximize benefits, they will have particular application for the vital economic sectors identified as: Foundation Industries Ocean resources, sectors that offer lessons for successful clustering Land resources, providing major economic value, especially in rural areas Agriculture, an increasingly diversified technology-based industry Tourism and culture, sectors with job-growth potential for all regions Growth Opportunities The digital economy, an enabling sector for all Nova Scotia business Energy, one of the most pivotal industrial developments in our history Advanced manufacturing, prized for high wages and significant spinoffs Learning industry, a knowledge-economy and exportable resource Life sciences, a young sector with growth potential in the global market Select Highlight:   Introduction What We Heard Where We Want to Go How We Will Get There Making It Happen Measuring Progress Home Highlights | Strategy | News Release | Background | Feedback Form  Comments to comm@gov.ns.ca | Privacy Statement Copyright © 2006, Government of Nova Scotia, All Rights Reserved.