The Economic Edge '09: Sponsored by Microsoft Canada's CAN>WIN Initiative
Posted
Oct 14 2009, 03:07 PM
by
Microsoft Canada Co.
Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft was in Toronto on October 21 to deliver a luncheon keynote at The Economic Edge. He will be discussing the opportunities for Canada to compete, and win, as the global economy emerges from recession.
Presented by Microsoft Canada's CAN>WIN initiative and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, The Economic Edge is a national business summit for Canada's most influential business leaders, politicians, academics and some of the world's most important thought leaders to discuss Canadian competitiveness, our ability to innovate and become more productive, and the economic prosperity of all Canadians.
Since 2001, Microsoft Canada has hosted CAN>WIN events. In addition to guest speakers like Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer, Microsoft has also hosted a Canadian Prime Minister, several provincial Premiers and Cabinet ministers, public sector representatives from Ireland, Sweden and the United States, and numerous Canadian business leaders. This is the sixth CAN>WIN presented by Microsoft Canada.
For more information on CAN>WIN, please click here. To follow Microsoft Canada's updates at The Economic Edge, follow us on Twitter @MicrosoftCanada and join in the conversation using #CANWIN.
Read Steve Ballmer's op-ed - Investing in Innovation will Fuel Canada's Economic Growth - Globe and Mail, October 19, 2009
Opening // Welcoming Remarks
"Canada is in the middle of a global competition to grow, retain talent and attract investment. To stay in the race, a baton must be passed from one generation to another, from one government to another. It's time to pick up the baton, and get running." Eric Gales, President, Microsoft Canada
Welcome to the Economic Edge '09, sponsored by Microsoft Canada's Can>Win initiative. Throughout the day we will be providing summaries of panel discussions on topics important to business, academic and government elites.
It is generally accepted that Canada weathered this storm better than others. Canada has a high quality of life, we can attract the best and the brightest from around the world. But we've got a long way to go.
There is plenty of research to support the fact that we have a productivity problem in Canada. There are a myriad of solutions to this problem: we must do a better job funding innovative startups, deepening relationships between businesses and research universities, and the list goes on. We have experienced a decade of inertia and inaction. But there is a consensus. Today we are here to ensure that Canada is well-equipped to handle the challenges that lie ahead.
Session 1 \\ Canada on the World Stage: Keys to Success
The Honourable Bob Rae, MP, Toronto Centre
Canada's position in the world is unique in two major ways. First, we are profoundly dependent on international trade and investment for our well-being. Second, the world is in us - we have made ourselves an international society that literally renews itself every year. We accept more immigrants in Canada than any other industrialized country.
We are living in a world of rapid change. What we've seen in the last 40 years is nothing compared to the change we'll see in the next 40 years. This gives us great opportunities and at the same time, poses great challenges.
Canada has been slow to understand and embrace change. We tend to downplay the role that government can play in the effort to improve our national well-being. We tend to think that social, environmental and economic agendas exist in silos when in fact, they are all important pieces of the puzzle of our global competitiveness. This was evident during the economic turmoil of the last few years, when the world came remarkably close to a dramatic meltdown. We cannot allow this to happen again.
We are going to have to work harder to build an international architecture that contends with the pace of changes underway.
Session 2 \\ Keys to Identifying and Taking Advantage of the New Rules for Profitability and Success
Speakers:
Ms. Elyse Allan, President and CEO, GE Canada
Dr. Indira Semarasekara, President, University of Alberta
Trish Wheaton, Chief Marketing Officer and Chairperson, Canada, Wunderman
Can>Win's first panel discussion offered three views on the new rules for profitability and success through the eyes of experts in business, academia and global marketing. All three speakers agree that corporations and universities are operating amidst a fundamental reset in the way business is conducted.
Globalization, the importance of human resources over natural resources, demand for affordable healthcare, the growth of developing markets and the need for a systematic approach to research and innovation all emerged as global trends that affect Canada's position in the new economy.
The need to invest in technology surfaced as a theme in all three presentations. Collaboration among the private sector and universities to fund and conduct "blue skies" research is significantly weaker in Canada than in countries that are outperforming us.
The consensus among panelists is that Canada must build a distinct brand to encourage investment and solidify its place in the global order. We must differentiate ourselves as a technologically savvy, culturally diverse nation to attract the best and brightest and we must all get "on message" to communicate our potential.
Session 3 \\ Keys to a Thriving Global Economy: Expanded Trade vs. Protectionism
Speakers:
Parker Mitchell, Co-CEO, Engineers Without Borders
Shauneen Bruder, Chair, The Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Executive Vice-President, Business & Commercial Banking, RBC Financial Group
Michael Kergin, Former Ambassador of Canada to the United States of America and Senior Advisor, Corporate, Bennett Jones LLP Ottawa
"What are the defining challenges that your grandchildren will have wanted you to solve? Is GDP really a sacred indicator of quality of life? What will motivate skilled employees to want to work at your company?"
These are some of the thought provoking questions that opened this panel discussion from Parker Mitchell, Co-CEO, Engineers Without Borders.
All three panelists expressed the need to move away from protectionist policies as the world becomes increasingly globalized. The public and private sector in Canada must work on their ability to work with other countries to solve large global challenges, be open to risk in order to foster entrepreneurial spirit through government policy, and be proactive in taking advantage of Canada's potential.
In other words, we must find the delicate balance between competition at the individual and national level that drives innovation and the collaboration that drives solutions to global challenges.
Can>Win Keynote: Innovation - Key to a Successful Business Strategy
Steve Ballmer, CEO, Microsoft Corp. delivered the luncheon keynote to an audience of 350 business, academic and government elites.
See below to watch the keynote address on Innovation - Key to a Successful Business Strategy:
[View:http://citizenship.microsoft.ca/themes/ctz/utility/:550:0]
Session 4 \\ Good Government as a Competitive Advantage
Speakers:
Wayne Wouters, Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet
Tony Dean, Fellow in Residence, University of Toronto, Former Secretary to the Cabinet, Head of the Ontario Public Service, Clerk of the Executive Council
Michelle d'Auray, Secretary of the Treasury Board
According to panelist Michelle d'Auray, the success of Canadian business lies in the efficiency and regulation of good government and rides directly on the backs of its public servants.
Canada needs its best and brightest in the public sector but as a 'zero growth' labour shortage looms on the horizon, it's up to government to train, retain and recruit public and civil servants.
The public sector is only as effective as its governing body. Panelist Tony Dean emphasized the importance of public sector and service leadership and a need for autonomy; "Public servants need a clear sense of priorities and permission to act".
While Canada's financial sector has performed well in the downturn, panelist Wayne Wouters touted the importance of spending in research and development and infrastructure when moving forward out of the recession. Productivity and innovation in Canada can only improve as the labour force grows.
The panel came to the consensus that there needs to be better utilization of IT services in government, national policies driven by intergovernmental collaboration and the need for partnership with internal and external stakeholders when building a better government for businesses in Canada.
Session 5 \\ Canada's Environmental Regulatory Framework: Advantage or Hindrance to Global Leadership
Speakers:
John A. Manzoni, President and CEO, Talisman Energy Inc.
David Mondragon, President and CEO, Ford Motor Company of Canada ltd.
The Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister, Environment Canada
Canada's environmental regulatory framework produces headwinds and advantages for Canadian business, as outlined by a panel of energy and auto industry representatives and the Minister of Environment Canada, Jim Prentice.
The issues of industry, environment and economy are critically linked. The key is to take a holistic approach, harmonizing environmental policies across industries, provinces and the U.S.
In the energy sector, Canada has a resource base that is in demand but faces a serious cost disadvantage. A coordinated approach to tax and fiscal structure would help ensure this sector's future success.
The auto industry remains closely aligned with U.S. emission and safety policy. A single North American emission standard would level competitiveness and Canadian and American governments are working toward this shared goal.
Canadian environmental policies and standards are a unique reflection of our country and while we don't need to wait on the U.S. to move forward on regulations, harmonization with our southern neighbor will aid industry in the transition.
**All photo credits to Stan Behal Photography
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