KEI Network

Issue #61

18OCT21

Network & Share

Explore & Learn

Exploring Innovation and the Innovation Ecosystem

YOU ARE INVITED

The 3rd in our series about Economic Diversification features 4 brief presentations and YOUR engagement in a discussion about innovation and developing an innovation ecosystem

Wednesday, October 20th 3:30PM MT

OPTIONS

Copy and share https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85896241732

Request a Zoom invite Perry@PerryKinkaide.com

Also complete 5-min. survey HERE

We are devoting October’s weekly newsletters and public webinars to an exploration of the forces and sources of change shaping the current and future economy. YOUR views of the economy can be expressed by completing our semi-annual sentiment survey of economic resilience and innovation.

Last week’s webinar “Economic Diversification – Purpose, Progress, Prospects” is now accessible HERE

Former recorded webinars are accessible

HERE

Send comments to Perry@PerryKinkaide.com

Innovation has always been the path to economic growth and diversification. Some call it building a better mousetrap – others call it creative destruction. In Alberta, the energy sector has a history of innovation: early advancements in conventional energy exploration and production technology, the commercialization and growth of the oil sands, the development of a value-added petrochemical sector, steam-assisted gravity drainage, multi-stage hydraulic fracturing and more. While some might say that the energy sector has crowded out innovation and growth enjoyed by other sectors, Alberta has also been the birthplace of a variety of advances in healthcare, medical technologies, genetics, philanthropy, agriculture and more.

This success and the potential for even greater advances comes as the world embraces an ever-more digital, carbon-constrained, and increasingly challenged world. Capturing these opportunities will also carry with them significant challenges in the spheres of governance, policy and regulation. With its highly educated workforce Alberta could lead in the rapidly accelerating fields of big data, machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), augmented and visual reality (AR/VR) and other emerging technologies as well as in the important work of energy transition. In addition to other benefits, Alberta would enjoy:

1) Much-needed economic diversification

(2) An improved ability to attract, retain and engage a younger, more-dynamic workforce

(3) Employment growth, overall economic growth and growth in Alberta’s fiscal tax base from which we fund our healthcare, education, social and other programs.

Together, we have much to garner as we explore the current and future state of innovation in Alberta. Innovation is a technology-focused, social endeavor. As we consider the current state and future prospects for innovation in Alberta, it is wise to also consider how collaborative action and a shared investment in time, talent and treasure may play a role in accelerating innovation.

WEBINAR FACILITATOR

Greg MacIlivary is Managing Director of whose why is for Improving Organizations. After 20 years in the energy sector, where Greg fell in love with strategy, he founded S2S. With 15 associates across Canada, and in collaboration with many partners, S2S has developed effective ways for individuals, groups, organizations, multi-stakeholder groups and even jurisdictions to improve through shared action.

SPEAKERS – 5 minutes @ before engaging VIEWERS

Sharing views on the relevance of innovation and the state of the innovation ecosystem before engaging viewers in breakouts or plenary for discussing several QUESTIONS

Terry Rock is President & CEO of Platform Calgary and a passionate promoter of Calgary’s potential as one of the world’s most dynamic cities and has been fortunate to be involved in numerous community building initiatives in his hometown. He holds a PhD in Management (Strategy, Entrepreneurship & Innovation) from Texas Tech University and a Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing) from the University of Saskatchewan.

Ling Huang is an exceptional visionary leader and a senior security and management consultant who has been recognized as an innovative, quality-focused professional throughout his 30-plus-year career. As the CEO of Technology North Corporation, Ling is setting the direction and leading the corporation to its new venture with innovative solutions and services offerings, that position TNC in the marketplace as a Game Changer and Enabler.

Michael Robinson is a Professor of Entrepreneurial Finance in the Haskayne School of Business and is a CFA Charterholder and a Certified Corporate Director (ICD.D). He is an active researcher, has experience as an angel investor and as a venture capitalist, and was the first site lead for the Calgary Creative Destruction Lab (CDL-Rockies) program.

Brian Felesky is an influential and highly regarded Calgary investor, advisor, director, community leader and philanthropist. Brian is currently Senior Advisor/Founding Funder of Funder Inc. (a US/UK lottery technology corp.), a Senior Advisor/Co-Founder of Paradise Spirits (a tequila distiller/distributor in Mexico, US and Canada), Senior Advisor to Midnight Capital (a Canadian venture capital corp.), Chair/Co-Founder of InterGen Fund (scaling-up technology enterprises) and an advisor to and investor in several start-up companies (e.g., Code in Canada, MobSquad). He is a director of several private companies and a Member of The Order of Canada.

NEXT WEEK’s Webinar

October 28th 4pm MT – “Wrap-up. Where from here? We have invited representatives to join us from Economic Developers Alberta, the Rural Development Network, and a Government of Alberta ADM very familiar with ESG and economic development – for a discussion of what we have learned about developing a more resilient economy and a culture of innovation and where from here.