As we start the new year, I would like to reflect on the remarkable journey we’ve embarked upon together over the past year while also exploring new prospects in 2024. It is with great pleasure and gratitude that I share with you the strides that ICTC has made in research, policy, and capacity-building programming to advance Canada’s digital advantage in a global context.
In 2023, the Canadian economy navigated dynamic circumstances defined by a challenging global landscape that spanned geopolitical inflections, accelerated climate change, health risks, supply chain disruptions, cyber threats, and changing labour markets. The global economic recovery also faced a complex scenario aggravated by inflationary pressures, creating hurdles for businesses across many industry verticals. All of this transpired against a backdrop of disruptive technologies that continued to reshape our economy and society while offering unparalleled potential for exponential advancements in health, manufacturing, commerce, transportation, and many other sectors.
Last year, ICTC continued to expand its offerings to address the structural transformation of Canada’s economy. On the research and policy front, our commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge had borne fruit in 2023. We expanded the understanding of critical issues while reshaping the narrative on current assumptions and fostering a conducive environment for industrial growth and sustainability.
In the capacity-building arena, investing in talent has always been a cornerstone of our vision for Canada’s economy, and last year was no exception. Our capacity-building programs have empowered individuals from all walks of life and every stage of their careers—from emerging professionals and newcomers to seasoned experts—to seek rewarding employment prospects. Our communications efforts were also at the forefront of our activities, enabling greater engagement with our stakeholders and partners while constructing vital synergies to advance important agendas for Canada.
Going forward, ICTC will continue to catalyze research, policies, and programs to address climate change, enable solutions that empower economic growth, and help build a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economy.
Canada’s economy now stands at a pivotal juncture in its trajectory. It is critical to send clear signals to both local and international markets that delineate pathways for Canada’s growth sectors with the aim of attracting investment, prioritizing research and development, and enhancing Canada’s productivity and talent pipeline. The need for a comprehensive sustainable industrial strategy has never been more apparent. ICTC will be undertaking a series of discussions and policy papers in 2024 to address these matters and, in addition, we will be hosting a conference on the Economic Shift and the Future of Work on January 17, 2024, featuring expert-led panels and presentations exploring productivity and sustainable development through an ICT lens.
I would like to conclude by extending a special thank you to all our partners and stakeholders for their valuable support and trust in our mandate, to our board members for their insights and guidance, and to our very talented staff for their remarkable ingenuity and passion for advancing important goals for Canada.
I wish you all a very healthy and prosperous 2024.
Sincerely,
Namir Anani, ICTC President and CEO
