NEWS RELEASE
December 2, 2014
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SSHRC joins ICTC and its partners in the launch of the DAC
Today, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) joined the Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) and its partners in the launch of the Digital Adoption Compass.
ICTC and its partners have created the one stop online hub to address the needs of Canadian businesses and in particular micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to adopt technology. SSHRC joins the compass with a view to creating an online community of interest that will link academic researchers in the humanities and social sciences with businesses to consider the human and societal aspect of new and emerging technologies. How Canadians can benefit from this technology is one of six future challenge areas identified through the Imagining Canada’s Future initiative, led by the SSHRC.
Digital Technology is the essence of any high performing economy, especially in an increasingly global and highly competitive environment. As Canada’s economy continues to be reimagined digitally, industry leaders are rapidly looking for solutions to respond to this new business reality. This is particularly true for SMEs that represent the large majority of Canada’s industry. While the barriers to technology adoption range from access to financing and talent to the role of the C-Suite in influencing change in this arena, the main challenge remains one of know-how.
“SSHRC’s partnership brings strong value to the compass. SSHRC is a champion in the promotion of academic research in technology, talent, and innovations that propel Canada’s economy and society in the 21st century. The collective resources and outreach of the partners will represent a powerful consortium to advance digital adoption in Canada” says Namir Anani, President and CEO of ICTC.
“We are very pleased to participate in the digital compass as digital adoption and literacy are critical to realizing the potential of technology,” stated Ursula Gobel, associate vice-president, Future Challenges, at SSHRC “Canada has a wealth of knowledge and talent in humanities and social sciences research that can help SMEs strengthen their competiveness and productivity in a global economy.
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About DAC:
The Digital Adoption Compass (DAC) is a one-stop hub for SMEs to provide them with end-to-end solutions necessary to adopt technology. The aim behind this initiative, driven by the Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) and its founding partners is to fast track digital adoption in Canada and enhance productivity for SMEs.
The DAC offers a Digital Market Place that features technology solution providers through case studies, and videos. These resources range from videos on how financial management tools will enable SMEs to save time and streamline operations to case studies on the operational benefits of using cloud computing. SMEs can also learn about business financing, programs and resources offered by the partners under the tools and resources section and read the latest social media news and blogs under the Digital Pulse section.
To request information for media purposes contact:
Samantha Sjodin | Communications Specialist
Information and Communications Technology Council
613.237.8551 (ext. 130)
[email protected]