Canada’s advanced manufacturing sector is entering a period of significant technological change. Emerging digital technologies, including AI, big data analytics, cloud computing, cybersecurity, digital twins, sensors and Internet of Things (IoT), and robotics and industrial automation, have the potential to disrupt the manufacturing sector while unlocking significant value for forward-looking Canadian firms, including cost savings, revenue growth, product and process innovation, and risk reduction.
Produced by the Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) in collaboration with Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen), this roadmap series examines successful digital technology adoption strategies across five Canadian advanced manufacturing industries: automotive and automotive parts manufacturing, aerospace manufacturing, biomanufacturing, fabricated metal products manufacturing, and food and beverage manufacturing. ICTC’s summary report also highlights common themes, barriers, and successful strategies across these industries.
These roadmaps detail practical steps and business considerations for Canadian advanced manufacturing firms, particularly small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), interested in adopting advanced digital technologies.
Key Findings
- Canada’s manufacturing sector is facing productivity and economic challenges. With the exception of biomanufacturing, the industries covered in this series have experienced slow or stagnant GDP growth since 2011, while manufacturing productivity has declined relative to 2017.
- Many Canadian manufacturers remain in the early stages of digital technology implementation. ICTC’s 2025 survey found that 57% of manufacturing respondents were in the initial, least advanced stage of digital technology implementation.
- Successful digital technology implementation remains limited. Only 23% of Canadian manufacturers surveyed by ICTC reported fully successful digital technology implementation initiatives over the past five years.
- Significant numbers of Canadian manufacturers in critical industries have no current plans to adopt key digital technologies such as AI, digital twins, cloud computing, and IoT.
- Common barriers to digital adoption include high purchase costs, market uncertainty, uncertain economic returns, and the need to recruit, develop, and retain a skilled workforce with digital technology capabilities.
- Workforce development, training, change management, and a learning culture are critical to helping manufacturers overcome digital transformation barriers and realize the value of advanced digital technologies.
To cite this roadmap series
Erik Henningsmoen, Accelerating Digital Transformation in Canada’s Advanced Manufacturing Sector: Digital Technology Adoption Roadmaps for Canada’s Manufacturing Industries. Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC). Ottawa, Canada. June 2026.
Researched and written by Erik Henningsmoen (Senior Research and Policy Analyst), Maryna Ivus (Manager, Economics), and Todd Legere (Research and Policy Analyst), with generous support from Emma Forbes (Co-op Student) and the ICTC Research & Policy team.
Produced by the Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) in collaboration with Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen).
