Contents | Previous | Next  Strategic Directions Innovation Strengthen the innovation system in Nova Scotia Innovation in all our industries is the key to expansion and growth of the economy. Our universities and research institutions provide a potential advantage, but innovation means much more than research. It is also about increased commercialization of new ideas and processes. In a small economy like Nova Scotia’s, the quick adoption of new technology and good design practices is as important as research and inventions; it leads to many innovative products and processes. We must mobilize government, the private sector, and our academic institutions, including the Nova Scotia Community College, to create a culture of innovation and design. The Premier’s Council on Technology and Innovation will lead in this effort. We also need to build on such initiatives as those carried out by InNOVAcorp aimed at commercializing more of our research. These activities together make up our innovation system, and international evidence shows the best strategy is to assure that the whole innovation system is working, not just fragments of it. Issue Actions/Next Steps Federal investment Work with federal initiatives involving research, related infrastructure, and other innovation Technology adoption Encourage businesses to make timely investments in the use of new technologies and design to improve performance and lead to new products and processes, and to adopt best practices R&D Establish a strategy to identify and increase research and development among businesses and in other areas such as environmental sustainability Commercialization Establish a direct link between business need and support for academic research Demonstration projects Support pilot and demonstration projects in environmental and other large-scale technologies to help commercialize the technologies; expand the reach of Smart Community projects Measuring Progress—Provincial economic development organizations will monitor and report on progress and obstacles in these areas. Contents:   Contents Premier’s Message Minister’s Message Introduction What We Heard What We Learned Where We Want to Go How We Will Get There  Strategic Directions    - Business Climate    - Infrastructure    - Innovation    - Labour Force    - Investment    - Exports    - Regional Capacity  Vital Economic Sectors    - Foundation Industries    - Growth Opportunities Making It Happen  Nova Scotia Business Inc.  Nova Scotia Economic Development Agency 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.