ABCtech #01 Est 2006 DRAFT – An Alberta Chamber of Technologies – Copy

ABCtech #1 Est 2006 DRAFT – An Alberta Chamber of Technologies?

This rough draft was prepared by Peter Josty following a conversation with Perry Kinkaide.

Introduction

The technology sector is a small and growing sector that is making an increasing contribution to Alberta’s economic well being and has the potential to make an increasingly large contribution in the years ahead. The sector has a number of distinct segments, including the ICT, New Media, Geomatics, Software, biotech, etc. and many value-added areas deriving from the resource sector. Many of the companies are currently very small, with limited resources. Governments at the Provincial and Federal levels have identified the technology sector as one that will generate significant future jobs and economic prosperity.

The Challenge

The technology sector is very fragmented and does not speak with one united voice to governments, or to the public at large. As a result, governments and the public hear a multitude of different messages and there are often apparently conflicting viewpoints that slow don actions intended to support the sector.

The Solution?

An Alberta Chamber of Technologies might be created that would be the voice of the technology sector.

Precedents

The Alberta Chamber of Technologies would be inspired by the two existing organizations: the Alberta Chamber of Resources, and the Alberta Chambers of Commerce.

The Alberta Chamber of Resources was founded in 1935 and has 170 member firms that representing all major industries in Alberta: Coal, Oil Sands, Oil and Gas, Petro Chemicals, Pipeline, Forestry, Metallic Minerals, Industrial Minerals, Utilities, Banks, Equipment Suppliers, Transportation Systems, and Service Providers.

The Alberta Chamber of Resources exists:

• To bring together, as members of the ACR, individuals of high standing who are active in enterprises throughout the natural resource sector in Alberta from production to use and its impacts.

• In order to provide advice and analysis from an independent industrial perspective on the responsible development of resources in Alberta.

• On issues connected with natural resource production, trade and use, including environmental impacts and protection, and issues of investment in infrastructure and utilization of equipment and the education of the public in the values of resource development.

• So that government policy formation may take account of industrial concerns and practicalities.

The Alberta Chambers of Commerce is a federation of 170 Chambers of Commerce across Alberta, representing over 22,000 businesses. Some of its activities are:

• Reviews and assesses new legislation or amendments to existing acts and regulations and apprises its members of potential concerns;
• Coordinates its advocacy efforts through 127 member Chambers of Commerce; and,
• Obtains answers for members who are having difficulties with the government and who may not be familiar with the way the bureaucracy operates.

Key success factors

It would appear that several key factors are important in designing an organization that will represent the technology sector in Alberta,

• An open membership structure that is seen to be inclusive of all aspects of the sector.
• A distinct and useful value proposition to all existing the existing industry groups, support organisation and service providers.
• A tiered membership cost so that small firms are not deterred from joining and participating.
• A relatively low cost and efficient administrative structure.

A transparent and accountable governance structure, including a clear Visi