Homegrown Collaboration and Humble Beginnings
The Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance (CATA) was conceived 50 years ago when Canada’s few and emerging technology companies banded together to have a greater voice and influence. Rooted in the spirit of collaboration, CATA continues to draw brilliant industry minds, leaders, academe and policy makers to solve the challenges ahead.
The Business and Culture of Innovation
CATA is a trusted alliance for Canada’s homegrown technology sector, supporting commercial competitiveness, economic growth and resilience. In preparation for the opportunities and challenges of the next decade, CATA is focusing on advocacy and building robust commercial capabilities, future talent and skills, and sustainable and equitable best practices within technology operations and commerce. CATA is “all the things”—business & culture of innovation, especially inspiring boldness and podium culture confidence. CATA’s longstanding mandate to elevate a thriving innovation sector is evergreen.
Canadian Innovation Competitiveness Snapshot
A leading education system and motivated, smart investor backed entrepreneurs have demonstrated that Canada is a capable inventor and startup nation. Despite this foundation, and stellar performances from our few unicorns, the overall return of innovation investment is not performing—not yet. Canada ranks 17th in the world in the 2019 Global Innovation Index. Although Canada ranks 9th in “innovation inputs” or costly investments, outputs are far behind at 22nd.
You see the potential here to move the ranking and push Canada’s economic engine right? New ideas, technology, and processes reach innovation potential when leveraged with sophisticated commercial practises. Innovation is a continuum—the process of realizing the fullest market potential of an idea, whether it be a service, process or a product.
CATA’s Call to Action
CATA is espousing a cultural shift to move beyond building good companies with world class technology; struggling to transform to large companies, or getting sold abroad. Evolving from inventor to growth innovator building HQ Canada large companies (500 employees +) requires a shift to commercial sophistication including resource commitment, building masterful expertise and world class capabilities.
A Little Less Conversation, a Lot More Bold
Brand Canada is a solid foundation for Brand Canadian Innovation; valuing intellectual property ROI, investing big & believing in Canadians, embracing risk, fully appreciating entrepreneurs and commercial success, creatively embracing talent, the future, adopting and buying new tech, inclusive leadership and robust podium culture fuelled by commercial savvy.
Bring the swagger Canada. You’ve earned it!
CATA is revising its Innovation Leadership Council and forming Expert Panels. Appointments to the CACP/CATA E-Crimes and Cyber Counsel are also filled on a needs basis. If you want to be considered, tell us how you’re a good fit and email [email protected].
