The next Spike – Innovation as the key to building a smarter, more caring Canada

Date: January 28, 2015

Name: The Next Spike – Innovation as the key to building a smarter, more caring Canada

Presenter: David Johnston

In the global perspective, innovation plays an important role in the economy. Canada is leaning towards the next level of innovation and leaders are taking the opportunity to create a stronger Canada. Vancouver Board of Trade is honored to invite David Johnston, the Governor General of Canada, to address his view of how Canada can become a global innovation leader. David Johnson was sworn in 2010. He is also the Commander-in-Chief of Canada. Moreover, he is also the author of 24 books and holds over 20 honorary doctorates from Canadian universities. Many leaders look upon David Johnston as a role model, and this presentation will benefit leaders to understand the keys to build a better Canada.

Global innovation comes from economic social process, and David Johnston believes it takes ideas to get better. Johnston indicates improvement, such as the quality of life, from Canadian are significant towards Canada’s growth. However, leaders are not produce enough. Canada needs to seek the window of opportunity for businesses, such as Asia Pacific region. Johnston emphasizes immigration program from pacific nation is fairly significant. In order for Canada to achieve “the next spike”, Canada needs to concentrate on the 4 major key areas to partner with Asia Pacific.

• Build trust
• Practice Knowledge
• Create talent
• Recognize excellent

Build trust

It is difficult to overstate trust. Johnston believes Canada is a trust worthy partner in global. Canada considers long term view to build independence and public services. Canada has a strong integrity for public services and strong mutual relationship with other global leaders. Johnston emphasizes these as Canada’s competitive advantage.

Build trust will lead to innovation. Network can help Canada to build trust. Therefore, trust is a part of Canada’s critical success.

Education & knowledge

Canada’s post-secondary education is trusted by Asia Pacific. With the strong education reputation, Canada is willing to help other countries to build their education system. Education leads to trust. Johnston mentions Canada-China Management Program that help corporation from both nations to establish strong education. Diplomacy of knowledge is important for Canada; therefore, Johnston believes cross discipline will improve relationship and innovation.

Johnston believes Canada’s next focus is to support overseas students for next generation. Based on International ranking, Canada’s education brand is ranked the top because there are at least 2 times more graduates from Canada than other nation. With the right education, Johnston believes Canada will strengthen the international trade.

“Complicated problem has simple solution”

Success in talent in innovation

Johnston mentions Canada public education is the growing opportunities for Canada. Develop new talents is the new measurement for success. Diversity is important in talent and Johnston explains there are 1 million immigrants in Vancouver alone, which represents 14% of Canada.

Canada has more language spoken than other countries. However, it is still encouraged to maintain mother tongue. Johnston defines IQ is “Innovation Quotation”. Canada needs to draw new ideas and create the key assets to the world. In addition, Canada’s key talents will drive the next spike.

Want to be the best

Canada needs to be competitive to the world, especially the private sector in Research and Development. Johnston comments that Canada’s GDP comes from the private sectors. A significant amount of resources spends on R&D and research turns resources into ideas. A great example Johnston mention is the Vancouver Winter Olympic Success. Canada needs to seek gold recognition. Investment in Canada will help Canada to change from imagination into reality.

Questions & Answers

Johnston believes Canada’s entrepreneurs have implemented social responsibility to innovative ideas. Entrepreneurs are producing ideas to communities to work together and develop long term relationship.

Johnston comments his trip to Waterloo shows him the improvement of innovation in education from agriculture. In addition, Thompson River University has successfully pushed international education to oversea.

Johnston promotes “We Day” to engage local volunteers to improve the Canadian society for the next generation. The high school education is now required 40 hours of volunteer experience to complete the diploma. Moreover, it is important to celebrate the success to improve innovation for Canada.