Gerry Pond of @MarinerInnov calls for a regional ICT strategy to boost the Atlantic economy in this APEC commentary. https://t.co/XBHtWeo5Jo pic.twitter.com/Dxbsx6cItH
— APEC Atlantic Canada (@APECatlantic) December 15, 2016
Atlantic Canada needs a regional strategy for high tech which would include lots of collaboration throughout the region involving I-T companies, universities and the provincial governments.
Gerry Pond, who co-founded Mariner Partners based in Saint John, says information and communications technology promotes development for the common good, even among competitors.
He says the need is urgent for I-T companies, universities and provincial governments in the region to come together because you need a minimum population of 2 million for talent and investment dollars to produce big commercial ideas. Pond says there’s a need for an investment tax credit as part of a regional strategy and more degree programs in computer science, international business sales as well as entrepreneurship.
Pond says the three largest I-T companies in Atlantic Canada are in Saint John and their growth rates have been above the average.
