On June 14, 2016, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) launched a consultation process in support of Canada’s Innovation Agenda. Key intersecting pillars of the Government of Canada’s new Innovation Agenda are the Digital Economy and Talent Development. Canada’s ability to compete in a digital world is paramount as society undergoes a fundamental economic shift driven by the digital transformation of industries. The impact of the digital economy is inclusive across all sectors and largely dependent on a firm’s ability to access, adopt and implement digital technologies as they evolve. Consequently, the digital economy will be a primary source of future economic growth. In the intensively competitive global marketplace, Canada’s ability to develop, attract, retain, and scale up digital startups and commercialize innovations will depend on the existence of supporting economic policies designed to promote digital innovation.

The digital economy more than other sectors is driven by highly trained human capital. Canadian youth are fortunate to be born into a technologically advanced society and will continue to contribute to the development of Canada’s economy in that context. A definitive element driving Canada’s ability to compete globally through its digital economy will be its ability to attract, develop and retain the right talent. This is an issue that stands out for today’s youth, despite record rates of enrolment in Canada’s post-secondary and technical institutions. There is a clear need for youth to be engaged on Canada’s economic future based on their critical role in the evolution of our digital society. This unique P@P panel has been tailored to enable youth participation and discussion on the digital economy and the role of talent development in enabling digital innovation.

Join us for a craft beer and frank conversation at our new Byward Market location, The Red Lion Pub, for an informal policy discussion informed by our panel of innovators.
Bring your creative hats, and be part of the future direction of Canada’s Innovation Policy.

EVENT FORMAT:

Opening remarks and introductions by Canadian International Council National Capital Branch President

Outline of Innovation Agenda by ISED (details coming shortly)

Moderator introduction of panelists

Panel Discussion:
How do we work together to equip youth with the right skills for the future of the digital economy? (15 minutes)

Open Microphone and public input on question (15 minutes)

Panel Discussion:
What are innovative ways to develop stronger digital skills among young Canadians? (15 minutes)

Open Microphone and public input on question (15 minutes)
Closing Remarks (5 minutes)

Social and Networking

BIOGRAPHIES:

DAN HERMAN (Panelist)
Dan Herman recently joined the Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development as Executive Director of Innovation Policy and Analysis to help guide the development of Canada’s Innovation Agenda. He is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Centre for Digital Entrepreneurship and Economic Performance (DEEP), a Waterloo-based economic policy think-tank. In addition to his work at the department, he is a researcher at the Balsillie School of International Affairs where he focuses on innovation and economic policy and how Canada should adapt to compete in the global economy (which also happens to be the scope of a PhD that he is working on). Dan brings a wealth of experience in both the private and public sectors, having started his own company and served as a Senior Policy Advisor in the Government of Ontario’s Ministry of Economic Development and Innovation.

RAFAL ROHOZINSKI (Panelist)
Mr. Rohozinski is a digital entrepreneur behind several companies, and the principal investigator of two highly innovative cyber research initiatives: the Infowar Monitor, a joint project between The SecDev Group and the Citizen Lab, Munk Centre for International Studies, University of Toronto, which examines and documents emerging trends in cyber warfare; and, the OpenNet Initiative, a collaboration with the Citizen Lab, Berkman Center for Internet and Society at Harvard Law School, the Advanced Network Research Group at Cambridge University (now the SecDev Group) and the Oxford Internet Institute, which documents patterns of Internet censorship worldwide.

DASHA SHAKOV (Panelist)
Ms. Shakov is a young entrepreneur and co-founder of Parcelly, an Ottawa region startup providing unique gifting solution for long distance friends, family members, and loved ones. A third year BCom Marketing student, she is an innovative entrepreneur who is sure to inspire and impress everyone she meets for years to come.

VICTORIA LENNOX (Panelist)

Victoria has a track record of stimulating public discourse & developing meaningful political & policy inroads to advance the entrepreneurship agenda. She is an expert in entrepreneurship policy, building enterprise networks (national, communities & campuses), catalyzing movements, & ecosystem governance.

Victoria is the co-founder of Startup Canada, Canada’s first-ever, entrepreneur-led, national movement. Victoria is the catalyst of a national grassroots network of local Startup Communities; PIVOTmagazine.ca, 1000startups.ca, StartupAward.ca & MentorshipChallenge.ca among other high-impact, national programs – recognised by PROFIT Magazine as one of Canada’s Top 30 entrepreneurs in 2012.

MARGARET HUBER (Opening Remarks)
Margaret Huber is President of the Canadian International Council’s National Capital Branch and a former Canadian Ambassador in Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

EHSAN TORKAMAN (Moderator)
Ehsan Torkaman is the Director of Politics @ the Pub and a member of the CIC National Capital Branch.

Stay tuned – check the CIC National Capital Branch’s Facebook page for more details to come on panelists…
https://thecic.org/branches/national-capital-ottawa/

TICKETS:
Tickets are $5.00 for CIC members and $10.00 for non-members and include a craft pint of beer or a glass of wine.
To celebrate the start of the new season, all students pay only $5.00 (includes a pint of beer or a glass of wine)!

Tickets sold at the door and available on a first come first serve basis.