OTTAWA – Industry Minister Christian Paradis announced an $80 million investment over three years to help accelerate the adoption of information and communications technologies by small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs).
The initiative, known as the Digital Technology Adoption Pilot program, is designed to support and increase the adoption of digital technologies in SMEs in all sectors of the economy; raise awareness of the productivity benefits and importance of these technologies, and; improve understanding of the link between digital technologies and productivity by gathering data from participating firms.
“The Government of Canada is investing in the people and ideas that drive the digital economy,” said Minister Paradis, in a statement. “This new program will help more than 600 small- and medium-sized enterprises integrate innovative technologies into their businesses and create jobs and economic growth.”
Firms interested in adopting digital technology into their operations (i.e., production lines, workflow processes, or supply chain or customer management systems) might be eligible to receive advisory services and/or a financial contribution of up to $99,999 through the pilot program.
Colleges and not-for-profit organizations will help to deliver the pilot program by providing access to services, training, expertise and use of facilities and diagnostics that SMEs may not otherwise be able to afford.
The National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program will spearhead the initiative.
