Artificial intelligence will underpin Canadian innovation and global competitiveness
Data has been called the oil of the 21st century. And artificial intelligence (AI) platforms and tools are commonly described as the new refineries that will convert the data into value-added products, services and platforms. Globally, it is estimated that, by 2025, there will be over 450 exabytes of digital data generated every day—that’s equivalent […]
COVID-19 will accelerate automation, and we must embrace it
WATERLOO—Over the last decade, the rise of robotics and artificial intelligence has emerged as a critical topic of discussion. By some estimates, almost half of existing jobs could be automated within a generation. Not surprisingly, then, managing this future of work has become a primary concern among the public and policy-makers alike. In 2018, under its […]
Chief science adviser wants position to become ‘part of the fabric of our country’
Canada’s Chief Science Adviser Dr. Mona Nemer says the chief science adviser position should be a permanent fixture within the Canadian government, the strongest statement to date and in line with calls from the science community to enshrine the post in legislation. “We’ve had a very checkered history of science advisers in Canada. We’re a […]
Three ways AI can substantially improve economic analyses
The recent boom in machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques has shown their potential to revolutionize our societies, with noticeable advances in applied sciences (automation of transport, health, and interpersonal interaction). However, these powerful tools still have relatively low popularity in the social sciences. How can AI and ML be useful to a […]
Biotechnology Policy Briefing
Contact-tracing app faces big technological problems in urban environments, studies say
A pair of research studies from June suggest there could be serious flaws in the COVID-19 exposure notification app promoted by Canada’s federal government. COVID Alert has been out for nearly one month and has been downloaded by some two million Canadians, according to a spokesperson for the Canadian Digital Service. The app, which is based […]
Feds must act now, or risk losing generation of entrepreneurs
With the possibility of a second wave of COVID-19 on the horizon and borders restricted, federal and provincial governments have called for the establishment of domestic supply chains and doubled down on support for Canadian innovations, opening up new procurement opportunities and funding programs. While these efforts will help mid- and large-size companies survive, what […]
Feds must act now, or risk losing generation of entrepreneurs
With the possibility of a second wave of COVID-19 on the horizon and borders restricted, federal and provincial governments have called for the establishment of domestic supply chains and doubled down on support for Canadian innovations, opening up new procurement opportunities and funding programs. While these efforts will help mid- and large-size companies survive, what […]
Tech sector eyes procurement as way to stimulate business
As Canada’s tech sector grapples with the fallout of COVID-19, more nimble federal procurement practices are being eyed as a lever to stimulate the sector’s recovery, particularly among small- and medium-sized businesses, and to drive innovation in the public and private sectors. The market Documents released to the House Standing Committee on Government Operations and […]
Successful U.A.E. launch of mission to Mars a symbol of hope when needed the most
With the world dealing with a global pandemic—and being faced with life and death issues like never before, the July 19 historic launch of the United Arab Emirates’ (U.A.E.) Hope Mission to Mars truly serves as a beacon of hope for all. The unmanned probe soared from the Tanegashima Space Center in Japan, headed on […]
