Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
January 4, 2017

Expanding Our Economic Potential

Provincial Government Provides Update on Business Innovation Agenda Engagement Process

The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development, provided an update today on the engagement process for the development of the new Business Innovation Agenda. Province-wide stakeholder engagement sessions, hosted by the department in collaboration with the Research & Development Corporation, have now been completed.

"Our government, in consultation with the business community and others, is committed to fostering innovation through the design, development and implementation of a new Business Innovation Agenda. We are pleased with the level of participation, advice and input we have received to date from our innovation stakeholders. I look forward to advancing this important initiative of The Way Forward as we continue to work towards enhancing economic development throughout our province."
- The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development

The Provincial Government-led engagement sessions had more than 80 participants in attendance, including local entrepreneurs and representatives from industry associations, organizations that work with and represent the business community, academia and all levels of government. These sessions were held in Gander, Clarenville, Labrador City, St. John's and Corner Brook. In addition, several stakeholders have been actively hosting focus groups, with more organizations and associations planning to deliver these sessions to members and colleagues early in 2017.

"The aim of the engagement process is to better understand the needs of businesses, entrepreneurs and would-be entrepreneurs in their pursuit to enhance innovation in processes, marketing, products, services and market development efforts. I strongly encourage any organizations or individuals still wanting to be part of this process to host their own stakeholder-led focus group and/or provide a written submission so you can have your say as we continue to advance innovation in our province."
- Minister Mitchelmore

The engagement process is scheduled to conclude later this month, which will be followed by the public release of a "What We Heard" document to outline feedback gathered throughout the process. For more information about the Business Innovation Agenda engagement process and details on hosting a session visit: www.NLinnovationagenda.ca .

In addition, written submissions are another option to provide input and the deadline to provide these submissions has been extended to January 18, 2017.

The development of a new Business Innovation Agenda is one of more than 50 initiatives included in The Way Forward: A Vision for Sustainability and Growth in Newfoundland and Labrador, available online at www.gov.nl.ca. The vision guides Provincial Government actions to achieve greater efficiency, strengthen the province's economic foundation, enhance services, and improve outcomes to promote a healthy and prosperous province.

QUICK FACTS

• As part of the Provincial Government's new Business Innovation Agenda, province-wide stakeholder engagement sessions hosted by the Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development in collaboration with the Research & Development Corporation have been completed.
• Engagement sessions were held in Gander, Clarenville, Labrador City, Corner Brook and St. John's and were attended by more than 80 people.
• Interested organizations and individuals can still provide strategic advice and feedback to assist in the development of the new Business Innovation Agenda by hosting a stakeholder led focus group and/or providing a written submission. For more information, visit: www.NLinnovationagenda.ca .
• This initiative is one of more than 50 included in The Way Forward: A Vision for Sustainability and Growth in Newfoundland and Labrador.

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Media contact:

Eric Humber Media Relations Manager Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development 709-729-4819, 725- 9655 erichumber@gov.nl.ca

2017 01 04                              11:25 a.m.