Technology and innovation
The B.C. government is focused on growing technology and innovation in the province. Last year, we invested more than $700 million to develop a world-leading talent pool, help companies start-up and grow and provide the infrastructure communities and British Columbians need to participate in the innovation economy. All of these investments are catalysts that stimulate economic growth, improve competitiveness and create jobs across B.C. in all sectors of the economy.
To optimize our current and future investments, the B.C. government developed the Technology and Innovation Policy Framework which serves as a roadmap to identify our priorities and the outcomes we want our investments to achieve.
In partnership with ministries across government, the framework will help us achieve four goals:
- Grow globally competitive industry clusters across the province that support British Columbians
- Increase diversity and participation in the innovation economy – including Indigenous Peoples and those living in rural areas
- Help B.C. companies scale up, anchor and create good-paying jobs for British Columbians
- Develop the talent pool to help grow the innovation economy and help attract the right types of investment to B.C
Through the implementation of this framework, we want B.C. businesses to become greener and more competitive. This framework will also help to guide and grow partnerships between communities, Indigenous peoples, post-secondary institutions, research organizations and industry to help solve some of the most critical challenges we face as a society.
Services and information topics
B.C. Innovation Commissioner
The purpose of the Innovation Commissioner (IC) role is to serve as B.C.’s champion for technology and innovation. They facilitate partnerships and promote innovation across the province. The IC helps companies grow in all regions and sectors.
Innovate BC
Innovate BC helps people in B.C. launch their ideas and connect with experts to help grow their businesses. It connects innovators with funding, tools, resources, and support.
B.C. invests in research and innovation
An innovative economy is a priority of the B.C. government. This page provides examples of research and innovation organizations, funds, and education centres B.C. has invested in.
B.C. Knowledge Development Fund (BCKDF)
The B.C. Knowledge Development Fund (BCKDF) supports the development of research infrastructure, like labs and equipment. The BCKDF helps B.C.'s institutions attract researchers, skilled technicians, and research users. Supporting research infrastructure can foster innovation and help institutions collaborate with industry.
B.C. Workplace Innovation Fund
The Workplace Innovation Fund supports key sectors to adopt new technology and processes to address labour shortages and increase productivity to help with workforce challenges.
Resource links
Many resources are available for innovative organizations. Below is a list of examples of provincial, federal and joint resources.
