The primary focus of our business is information systems software. This involves computers and communication which have given rise to some of the most controversial issues of our age. On this page we offer our own editorial contribution.

Innovation Update

    In WISL Blower Vol 3 No 2 we offered an introduction to the effort being spearheaded by the Federal Government "to make Canada one of the most innovative and skilled countries in the world, and a magnet for talent and investment." We provided some documentation on the Waterloo Region Innovation Summit held in May 2002 along with some feedback by attendees to that event.

    The letter below introduces the next stage in the process which focuses on the local effort to attain the lofty goals outlined above.

    This meeting featured a parade of local luminaries espousing the virtues of Canada's "Technology Triangle" and electronic voting facilities that provided for responsive group feedback on relevant questions. Click below to display an overview and the 4 key ingredients for success in the "new economy".

    One of the major issues was the name of the region. The majority favoured including "Waterloo" since largely due to the University of Waterloo the name has become synonymous with high-tech(What does the "W" in WISL represent?). Frankly the organization of the session seemed contrived to rubber stamp a predetermined agenda. I left early.

     I did not attend the national summit but in early February the following letter arrived along with an impressive volume titled "National Summit on Innovation and Learning Summary".

    Click below and you can view a couple of pages from this document that outlines "Government of Canada Early Actions and Announcements":

    If you wish you can access more detail at http://www.innovationstrategy.gc.ca

    It all sounds very impressive and I am sure there is some sincere interest in innovation by government mixed in with the obvious political agendas that include the usual references to persons with disabilities, women and aboriginal peoples. However one must question a platform that incorporates as one of its major planks, the recruitment of skilled workers from foreign(usually third world) countries...the very workers who are most valuable to their native economies. I am inclined to trust the free market economy and the self interest and greed upon which it is based to provide the most significant impetus for innovation into this new century.