Benchmarking the Creative Technology Ecosystem in British Columbia

This paper utilizes extensive research to offer a first-of-its kind analysis of the creative technology sector in British Columbia. Leveraging in-depth primary research consisting of interviews with experts from industry and post-secondary institutions across the province, this report highlights the creative technology sector as a central driver of economic growth and employment in British Columbia.

This study began in January 2020, with research methods and tools finalized in February 2020. As this predates COVID-19 lockdowns, the study does not directly investigate the impacts of COVID-19 on the creative technology sector. Yet, due to widespread shifts witnessed across the global economy during this period, secondary research is included on the pandemic’s impacts, along with insights from naturally emerging discussions encountered in interviews. Generally, the creative technology sector has remained remarkably resilient in the face of COVID-19 lockdowns. Despite projections of double-digit negative growth in the Canadian economy for 2020, industries like animation and video gaming have seen a surge in business, and thereby a continued demand for talent. The visual effects industry has been the most adversely impacted in the short term, due to the slowdown in live-action film. Despite these initial findings, longer-term implications of COVID-19 are not well understood or predictable. Further research is required to understand the varying impacts of the pandemic on BC’s creative technology sector.