Premier Accepts Innovation Council Report

Nova Scotia can chart its way to even further growth and prosperity by focusing attention on several areas, including new technologies and scientific research and development, a new report says.

Premier John Hamm officially accepted the interim report of the Premier's Advisory Council on Innovation today, Oct. 21.

The advisory council was established in June 2003 in conjunction with the release of the provincial innovation policy, Innovative Nova Scotia.

"I'd like to thank Kelvin Ogilvie and the other council members for their thoughtful report," said Premier Hamm. "They have provided a comprehensive document that will help guide the province as we continue to build a stronger, healthier and more prosperous Nova Scotia through the 21st century."

The council's mandate is to provide independent advice and direction to government to help maximize the economic and social benefits that enhanced innovation offers to Nova Scotians.

"This process has generated serious thought and debate among the members of the council," said Dr. Ogilvie, chair of the Premier's Advisory Council on Innovation. "We believe this is an opportunity to serve our fellow Nova Scotians and help the province stimulate progress toward a focused innovative society."

The council members focused on six key areas: strategic focus for economic development, taxation, information and communications technology, youth innovation and entrepreneurship, community innovation networks, and research infrastructure.

The report includes recommendations that the province help:

• focus on environmental technologies and investment as a way to drive economic development;
• increase its component of the scientific research and development tax credit to 40 per cent from 15 per cent;
• continue to support community-led initiatives that seek to expand broadband service;
• invest in K-12 educational programming that instills an interest in entrepreneurial activities, science, technology and innovation;
• continue to support community literacy programs;
• implement a more strategic and co-ordinated approach to advancing research and development activity in Nova Scotia.

Premier Hamm said the report and its recommendations would be reviewed by the Office of Economic Development and Department of Finance.

A copy of the report is available on the website at www.gov.ns.ca/prem/publications/innovationreport.pdf .

For information on Innovative Nova Scotia, visit the website at www.gov.ns.ca/econ/innovativenovascotia .