Canada is striving to establish itself as a major player in the global arena of developing new innovations and technologies. The Digital Technology Supercluster, a dynamic alliance of innovative companies, think tanks, and academic institutions, will play a crucial role in driving this transformation. It is often said that there is power in unity. Therefore, larger businesses tend to have a longer lifespan compared to SMEs. Generally, bigger businesses tend to be more efficient and make a greater impact on the economy, job market, and community welfare. Considering this, it is logical for companies within similar industries, particularly in the realm of technology and data development, to work together on a national scale instead of engaging in competition. This has the potential to greatly enhance the tech industry and boost the economy. Canadian Innovation and the Supercluster The Global Innovation Index assesses countries based on their ability to effectively innovate. This can be related to technologies, business processes, or social initiatives. In the 2020 Index, Canada ranked 17th out of 131 economies worldwide and 16th among 49 high-income countries. The Canadian government is actively working towards improving its ranking, with a strong emphasis on innovation output. That's where the Digital Technology Supercluster comes into play. Superclusters are dynamic hubs of collaboration and enterprise activity focused on driving innovation and fostering growth within specific industries. They bring together a diverse range of organizations, including conglomerates, emerging companies, startup accelerators and incubators, not-for-profits, and academic institutions. But what impact will the Digital Technology Supercluster have on Canada's innovation? We had the opportunity to interview Bill Tam, co-founder and chief operating officer of Digital Technology Supercluster, to gain insights into the importance of collaboration in driving Canada's growth in various sectors.
Bill Tam, one of the co-founders and the Chief Operating Officer of Canada's Digital Technology Supercluster. 
Image: Digital Technology Supercluster Hey Bill, Can you provide more information about the Digital Technology Supercluster? The Digital Technology Supercluster is one of five Canadian superclusters established to position Canada as a global leader in innovation. It brings together top organizations to address the major challenges in the tech industry. With its collaborative approach, the Digital Technology Supercluster directs its investments towards digital R&D projects in established sectors like resources and health. The aim is to foster collective growth and development across entire industries, rather than focusing solely on individual organizations. Working together is at the heart of our mission. According to John Stackhouse, a senior vice president at RBC and the author of Planet Canada, collaboration is a skill that is often overlooked and undervalued in the business world. Many individuals often mistake it for collaboration... No, it isn't. Collaboration involves exploring uncharted territories with others and harnessing collective intelligence to create something improved. Collaboration between the private sector and other stakeholders is essential to achieve Canada's ambitious goals. By harnessing government investment in technology, the Digital Technology Supercluster is effectively utilizing public-sector funding to propel Canada's innovation economy. In 2016, we initiated a dialogue with Canadians to explore ways to promote innovation and enhance Canada's competitiveness. We collaborated on creating the Innovation and Skills Plan. This plan demonstrates our dedication to fostering collaboration and building innovation ecosystems in Canada. Our goal is to provide streamlined, effective, and well-coordinated support to businesses at every stage of their development, as well as to individuals throughout their lives. We are committed to advancing Canada's position as a frontrunner in the data-driven, digital global economy.
The National Digital and Data Consultations, launched on June 19, 2018, are a testament to our dedication to fostering collaboration and innovation in Canada. 
We reached out to Canadians from all walks of life to gather their diverse perspectives and innovative ideas on the current challenges and potential areas of growth for Canada during this transformative period. Canadians of all backgrounds and professions came together to respond, including small business owners, multi-national companies, students, teachers, researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and many others. Canadians expressed their enthusiasm for the promising social and economic opportunities that lie ahead for Canada in the digital age. However, they also expressed their worries about the need to adequately prepare young people for the ever-evolving job market, provide support for employees to learn new skills for career transitions, and ensure that all Canadians have access to the digital economy for their full participation and benefit. We were informed that businesses, particularly SMEs, require assistance in embracing the adoption of digital technology. And, most importantly, we learned that ensuring accurate data is a top concern for Canadians. Information is a powerful tool. This technology has the potential to fuel groundbreaking research and innovation, providing support for robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things. Canadians have genuine concerns about the potential misuse of personal data, and it is important to have safeguards in place to protect their privacy and security. In order to move forward with data collection, management, and use, it is crucial to establish a solid foundation of trust and transparency among citizens, companies, and government.
There are valid concerns regarding the presence of violent extremist content on the internet. 
I had the honor of joining the Prime Minister on a trip to Paris in May 2019, where Canada signed the Christchurch Call to Action. This important global pledge aims to combat and eradicate terrorist and violent extremist content from the internet. I strongly believe that trust is an essential ingredient for fostering innovation. Trust and privacy are crucial for fostering a robust, competitive economy and creating a more inclusive, prosperous Canada. As our world continues to change and become more digital, it is important for us to adapt and create an environment that allows Canadians to take advantage of the benefits of the digital economy while still upholding our core Canadian values. Tackling digital and data transformation involves grappling with intricate policy issues that don't have easy, one-size-fits-all answers. It requires us to develop solutions that align with our collective goals of supporting businesses and citizens, while prioritizing trust and privacy. We are dedicated to upholding principles that shape the integration of data, trust, and privacy into our strategy for economic growth and sustainable development through digital and data transformation. It is crucial for our nation to prioritize getting this right. We are excited to announce our ambitious and principled approach to digital and data transformation in Canada, as we strive to move forward and embrace the future. The principles serve as the bedrock for a uniquely Canadian digital strategy that will shape our policy decisions and drive the development of a forward-thinking, user-focused, and diverse digital and data economy. This approach aims to establish a solid foundation of trust in the digital age, allowing Canada to fully unleash its innovation potential.
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