Oh Canada, You Invented What?! – Innovation, Eh? (Category: Innovation)

According to the Global Innovation Index 2024 (GII 2024), Canada ranks 14th among global leaders in innovation outputs. At the top of the list, Switzerland holds the #1 spot for the 14th consecutive year, leading in both Knowledge & Technology Outputs and Creative Outputs. Sweden and the United States maintain their strong positions at 2nd and 3rd, respectively.

While the GII is a relatively recent benchmark—first published in 2007—Canada’s legacy of innovation stretches back over 150 years, with a proud history of world-changing inventions.

Here’s a personal favourite (but not exhaustive) list of Canadian innovations that have shaped the world—from Bell to Banting & Best, Bombardier, and Lazaris & Fregin:

Canada’s Greatest Inventions Timeline

• 1876: Telephone – Alexander Graham Bell

• 1891: Basketball – James Naismith

• 1921: Insulin – Frederick Banting & Charles Best

• 1935: Snowmobile – Joseph-Armand Bombardier

• 1937: Walkie-Talkie – Donald Hings

• 1950: Pacemaker – John Hopps

• 1950s: Electric Wheelchair – George Klein

• 1968: IMAX – Graeme Ferguson, Roman Kroitor, Robert Kerr

• 1981: Canadarm – Spar Aerospace

• 1999: BlackBerry – Research in Motion (RIM)

Which one do you think is the most important?

What Does It Take to Be More Innovative as a Nation?

If we take a page from the Switzerland and Sweden playbook, here are some key strategies:

1. Invest in Education and Research

• STEM Focus: Prioritize science, technology, engineering, and math from early education through post-secondary.

• Research Funding: Boost public and private investment in universities and research institutions.

• Interdisciplinary Learning: Encourage collaboration across fields—think tech + design + business.

2. Build a Strong Innovation Ecosystem

• Startup Support: Offer grants, incubators, and accelerators.

• Access to Capital: Ensure venture capital is available and accessible.

• Tech Hubs: Develop innovation districts that cluster talent and resources.

3. Encourage Collaboration

• Public-Private Partnerships: Foster collaboration between government, academia, and industry.

• International Cooperation: Join global research initiatives and knowledge-sharing platforms.

• Open Innovation: Create spaces where individuals and companies can co-create solutions.

4. Protect and Promote Intellectual Property

• IP Laws: Strengthen protections for inventors.

• Patent Support: Simplify and reduce the cost of the patenting process.

5. Foster a Culture of Creativity and Risk-Taking

• Normalize Failure: Treat failure as a learning step in the innovation journey.

• Entrepreneurial Mindset: Promote entrepreneurship through education and media.

• Diversity of Thought: Encourage inclusive innovation and diverse perspectives.

6. Use Policy and Regulation Strategically

• Tax Incentives: Offer R&D tax credits and innovation-related deductions.

• Regulatory Sandboxes: Allow safe testing of new technologies.

• Smart Procurement: Use government purchasing power to support innovative solutions.

7. Leverage Digital Infrastructure

• Connectivity: Ensure high-speed internet access across the country.

• Digital Literacy: Promote digital skills at all ages.

• Open Data: Make non-sensitive government data available for innovation.

Fun Fact:

Jim Balsillie, former co-CEO of BlackBerry, is now the Chairman of the Council of Canadian Innovators (CCI)—an organization founded in 2015 to build a more prosperous, innovation-driven economy that puts Canada first. Count me in! Who could be against that?

How Can We Boost Innovation at the Company Level in Canada and Quebec?

To create the next BlackBerry, IMAX, or snowmobile, we need to foster innovation from the ground up.

Here are five essential ingredients (my point of view):

1. Know Your Market

   Understand your customers deeply. Identify real, unmet needs and pain points.

   
   

2. Experiment Fast

   Be curious. Test ideas quickly. Collaborate across disciplines and build diverse teams.

   
   

3. Think Beyond the Product

   Innovation isn’t just about the product—it’s about the full experience. Understand the “why” behind customer needs.

   
   

4. Share the Journey

   Split the risk and reward. Collaborate with those who add value and share in the success.

   
   

5. Be Resilient and Ready to Pivot

   Innovation is rarely a straight line. Be prepared to adapt, iterate, and try again.

Final Thought: Do your homework. Don’t wait for perfection. Go innovate—and good luck!

Have ideas or feedback? Drop me a line at nicholas@aheadcurve.co