Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
November 8, 2017

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation:

Provincial Government Launches Business Innovation Agenda

Mr. Speaker, I was pleased to join Premier Ball today to formally launch the Provincial Government’s new Business Innovation Agenda.

The Business Innovation Agenda reflects input from the drivers of the provincial economy – innovating firms, industry leaders, academic institutions and members of the broader research community. The goal of this new Business Innovation Agenda is to expand the pool and capacity of Newfoundland and Labrador’s innovation and growth-focused businesses.

There will be four priority areas of focus: product development and commercialization; productivity; growth and Internationalization; and workforce skills and talent.

Mr. Speaker, through the engagement process, industry across our province identified a need for more guidance, as well as a one-stop point of entry for financial and non-financial supports.

I am pleased to say in response to this, the Provincial Government created InnovateNL – a single-window for a more efficient delivery of provincial innovation programs and services. Members of the NL Innovation Council will work with the Provincial Government and its partners on the implementation of the Business Innovation Agenda.

Mr. Speaker, I look forward to embarking on a new path towards innovation in Newfoundland and Labrador. Thank you.

2017 11 08                              2:25 p.m.