Description

The possibilities, and need for, an NWT Innovation Centre have been discussed for a number of years. Although areas such as cold weather equipment testing and energy-efficient housing have been used as examples, there is no clearly articulated vision of how such a centre could operate. The potential scope of its research and development activities, or the agencies and partners who would support and utilize the centre must be determined. The scope will help define the scale required. This study is being commissioned to more clearly articulate the opportunities that could be advanced through an innovation centre, and the options for operation of such a centre. It is also intended to identify the partners who might support such a centre, and from this evaluate the need for a centre and how it could advance innovation in the NWT. Innovation offers a further opportunity to stimulate economic diversification and enhance northern participation, capitalizing on the enormous economic growth potential in the Northwest Territories.