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.