Policy and Positions

InfoTech Alberta Areas of Interest

InfoTech Alberta is the emerging voice of the Alberta infotech industry. Throughout the year, InfoTech Alberta gathers some of the province’s private and public sector leaders to discuss and make recommendations on key issues affecting the growth of the industry. From there, InfoTech Alberta develops action plans to implement these recommendations where possible.

Based on input gathered from industry, InfoTech Alberta’s current areas of focus are to:

• Improve Access to Funding and Strategies for Financing
• Enhance Infrastructure for Technology Commercialization
• Strengthen Human Resources Development
• Boost Alberta ICT Market Position
  

Improve Access to Funding and Strategies for Financing
There is an urgent problem for small technology firms across Alberta in accessing seed capital and longer term financing. Alberta does not
share a level playing field to attract investment capital and InfoTech Alberta has
been urging the Alberta government to initiate incentives to remedy this
problem. Developing tax incentives to encourage Albertans to invest in technology companies and venture pools, promoting the awareness of investment opportunities among early stage investors, and implementing investment-matching programs to mitigate investor risk are some of the recommendations InfoTech Alberta has brought forward.

Enhance Infrastructure for Technology Commercialization
Both government and industry believe that Alberta has the capability to be recognized as an international centre of technology commercialization. To achieve this, however, Alberta requires a cross-sector approach that will fill the gaps and bolster the strengths in its infotech sector today.

Strengthen Human Resources Development
A lack of infotech industry management experience is considered to be one of the sector’s largest concerns. However, Alberta is not without its own qualified people ready for the job. Wherever possible, a balance must be struck between developing home-grown leaders and importing the highly qualified people needed by industry.

Boost Alberta infotech Market Position
A key to the emergence of the infotech sector as an economic driver in Alberta will be growing its overall influence and recognition globally. This stature is required if Alberta’s technology firms are to keep pace with their national and international competitors. Alberta companies must develop technology applications that meet global market demands, rather than merely “pushing” technology into the marketplace. InfoTech Alberta believes that opportunities to strengthen Alberta’s infotech market position abound, such as creating opportunities that promote interdisciplinary / sectoral relationships with other primary provincial industries.