BC Government announces full BCTECH Strategy
Today, at the #BCTECH Summit, Government revealed the final two pillars of the #BCTECH Strategy: deepening the B.C. talent pool, and making it easier to access markets.
With this announcement the full multi-year strategy has been revealed, aiming to support the growth of B.C.’s vibrant technology sector and strengthen British Columbia’s diverse knowledge-based economy.
“The #BCTECH Strategy is a key component of the BC Jobs Plan and contains a mix of new, enhanced and existing initiatives – all of which are aimed at creating an environment for further growth and investment in the tech industry,” said Premier Christy Clark.
As a result of extensive consultation with the tech sector, the #BCTECH Strategy focuses on three key pillars:
- Access to capital for promising companies
- Talent development
- Market access
In addition to the recently announced $100-million BC Tech Fund, which will create an avenue for capital funding for promising start-up companies, the plan highlights K‑12 curriculum which will provide the opportunity for more than 600,000 B.C. students to gain basic skills needed for careers in technology.
Targeted programs include coding academies, greater access to work experience electives for high school students, and dual credit partnerships between secondary and post-secondary institutions.
“We all want a diverse, knowledge-based economy that supports innovation. That’s why government is working with colleges, universities, institutes and the tech industry to adjust training and education to meet current and future demand for talent – as one-quarter of government funding for the post-education sector is earmarked for jobs in demand,” said Premier Clark.
The #BCTECH Strategy also includes activities that continue to streamline, simplify and automate government procurement processes, facilitate exports, invest in connectivity infrastructure, and improve collaboration and commercialization.
For more details on the #BCTECH Strategy: https://bctechstrategy.gov.bc.ca/
