Success Stories
East Kootenay Manufacturing and Technology Industry Development Plan
Region: East Kootenay
British Columbia Regional Science & Technology Network Council: Kootenay Rockies Innovation Council
When you set off on a journey, it helps to have a map. That’s why three local organizations have come together to create the East Kootenay Manufacturing and Technology Industry Development Plan.
Undertaken by the Kootenay Rockies Innovation Council, the Kootenay Rockies Regional Economic Alliance, and the Community Futures Development Corp. for the South East Region of B.C., the plan is intended to provide a long-term roadmap for the growing manufacturing and technology industries in the region. It’s also expected to help create cohesion within the manufacturing and technology sectors, and strengthen their ties within the East Kootenay region.
The three organizations believe the plan will strengthen links between industry members’ supplying network and support services, help attract new businesses by building a sustainable industrial base, and identify new opportunities that will stimulate business growth and retention.
Part of the project involves creating a sector inventory and database, sector asset maps using a GIS platform, and community focus groups. Consultants from Vancouver and the local area will be involved, and financial support has been provided by the innovation council, the regional economic alliance, Western Economic Diversification and the Ministry of Economic Development.
This is the first time this kind of project has been undertaken in the East Kootenay region. The approach developed by the partner agencies is being used by other rural communities and regions that want to bolster their manufacturing and technology sectors. For example, a similar project has been started in the West Kootenays by the Kootenay Association for Science and Technology, Selkirk College’s Regional Innovation Chair in Rural Development, and the Ministry of Economic Development.
Local and provincial governments and industry members are involved in ongoing consultations and dialogue, and as training needs for the manufacturing and technology sectors are identified, post-secondary institutions will become involved as well.
All told, the development plan is expected to provide a framework for developing a strong, sustainable regional economy that can attract new investments, help businesses grow, encourage innovation, and serve the needs of communities in the region.
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