Press release
A winning innovation strategy for Montréal
Montréal, June 28, 2010 – The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal is pleased with the measures announced in the 2010-2013 Québec Research and Innovation Strategy, unveiled today by the Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade, Clément Gignac.
“On a number of occasions, the Board of Trade has pointed out the urgency of increasing the productivity of our economy and our businesses, in particular now that the economic recovery has begun,” said Michel Leblanc, President and CEO of the Board of Trade. “In this time of budgetary austerity, we are pleased to see the importance the government is placing on innovation. The amount invested is proof of this commitment.”
“The strategy includes a number of measures businesses in the metropolitan area consider essential,” Michel Leblanc said. “For example, improved support for scientific research to industrial groups and research centres is great news, as are efforts to increase partnerships between universities and industry. The strategy also targets support for international partnerships, one of the priorities put forward by the Board of Trade during consultations on the strategy.”
The President and CEO of the Board of Trade also said: “The government has decided to focus on five mobilizing projects to contribute to the development of the new economy. A number of businesses in the metropolitan area will benefit from efforts to develop ecological aircraft, green information and communications technologies and the electric bus. Receptiveness to a life sciences initiative is also promising for the city’s economy.”
“Now it’s up to companies to get the most out of the new government strategy by making the necessary investments, be it buying equipment, training employees or adopting best management practices. By equipping themselves to effectively integrate innovations, our companies can increase their productivity and become more competitive internationally,” Michel Leblanc said.
The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal is made up of some 7,000 members. Its mission is to represent the interests of the business community of Greater Montréal and to provide individuals, merchants, and local businesses of all sizes with a variety of specialized services to help them achieve their full potential in terms of innovation, productivity, and competitiveness. The Board of Trade is Quebec's leading private economic development organization.
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Source:
Sylvie Paquette
Coordinator, Media Relations
Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
Tel.: 514 871-4000, ext. 4015
sylvie.paquette@ccmm.qc.ca