Innovative + Inclusive Economy
We’re building a thriving innovation economy that includes, supports, and benefits people and communities across Canada.
Aliya Ghare / Brookfield Institute
Using a wide array of data, we explore Canada’s inclusive innovation performance relative to international peers. COVID-19 and the ensuing economic crisis have revealed the need to boost participation in the innovation economy and broaden the distribution of its benefits among groups and regions. Inclusive innovation fosters a more equitable economy and improves innovation performance itself.
Featured Reports
About the Innovative + Inclusive Economy Work Stream
In an economy increasingly driven by technology and innovation, inclusive innovation fosters more equitable participation; improves performance by ensuring a diversity of skills, knowledge, and perspectives; and broadens benefits beyond economic growth. Our current areas of focus include overcoming the digital divide; designing job pathways and transitions for workers; closing pay, participation, and job quality gaps in the innovation economy; the impact of technology on work; and our flagship Inclusive Innovation Monitor. Through this workstream, we imagine a more inclusive and equitable economy and the policies and programs that will get us there.
Key research questions
- How can we broaden access to opportunities — such as technology, education, employment, R+D, and funding — across demographics and regions?
- How can we ensure better equity within the innovation economy — including pay, job quality, and advancement opportunities?
- How can we ensure the results of innovation activity benefit the most people and do the least harm?
- How can innovation policy support a strong economic recovery that is inclusive, equitable, and resilient?
Work Stream Manager: Nisa Malli
Active Projects
In partnership, the Brookfield Institute and the Munk School’s Innovation Policy Lab present the first integrated framework to explore the relationship between innovation and inclusion in Canada
The Policymaker’s Guide to the Galaxy: What science fiction can teach us about the future of work
Policy is Just Hard Science Fiction: An interview with Annalee Newitz
Innovation Policy
Financing the Intangible Shift
The Policymaker’s Guide to the Galaxy: What science fiction can teach us about the future of work
Surviving the Corporate Galaxy: An interview with Martha Wells
Building inclusion and equity into Canada's innovation economy
An Indigenous future and present of work
Jobs
We Shall Have Spring Again: Preparing for the return of intangibles
Building inclusion and equity into Canada's innovation economy
Canada’s investments in innovation need to be bolder
Completed Projects
Deep Dive
Jun 15, 2021
Our updated Playbook for policymakers, employers and service providers delivers a revised framework and new methods for identifying job transitions pathways for mid-career workers.
Jun 7, 2021
As the food retail sector continues to evolve, so does the reality of many grocery jobs. This report identifies specific options for workers looking to transition into other in-demand jobs in Ontario.
May 25, 2021
Exploring trends driving the evolution of the food retail sector — from the rise of data and e-commerce to changing consumer habits — and their impact on grocery workers and employers
Apr 13, 2021
John Knubley, Canada’s former Deputy Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, reflects on the rationale, challenges and performance of the Superclusters
