Ict

HOW CAN ICT ADOPTION HELP DRIVE SME PRODUCTIVITY AND GROWTH

AGENDA MEETING LOCATION: Pippy Park Golf Course Room: Admiral’s Green Clubhouse 460 Allandale Rd. St. John’s, NL, Tel: 709-753-2752

CONTACT US: Paul Preston, Associate Director, Innovation Policy St. John’s Office: 709-237-5123 preston@conferenceboard.ca

November 13th, 2013 St. John’s, NL Theme: How can ICT Adoption help drive SME Productivity and Business Growth

Sarah Dimick, Research Associate Ottawa Office: 613-526-3280x346 dimick@conferenceboard.ca

Meeting Objectives: Explore the economic outlook, the role of innovation and productivity in driving a prosperous Canada, and why it matters for SMEs Demonstrate the value of adopting digital technologies by SMEs, including the potential for productivity gains and business growth opportunities Raise the level of awareness among SMEs of the value of adopting digital technologies

© Copyright 2013 The Conference Board of Canada

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HOW CAN ICT ADOPTION HELP DRIVE SME PRODUCTIVITY AND GROWTH NOVEMBER 13TH, 2013

Tuesday, November 12th, 2013 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Informal Networking Dinner: Saltwater Restaurant, 284 Duckworth St., St. John's – this is a non-sponsored dinner “Saltwater impresses with fresh seafood, welcoming service and great atmosphere. After one meal, folks can’ help coming back again and again.”

Wednesday, November 13th, 2013 Admiral’s Green Clubhouse 8:30 – 9:15 a.m.

Welcoming Remarks and Roundtable Introductions Sarah Dimick, Research Associate and Project Manager The Conference Board of Canada Paul Preston, Associate Director, Innovation Policy The Conference Board of Canada 9:15 – 9:40 a.m.

Setting the Context for the Day: Innovation, Productivity, and Digital Technology Adoption – Why does it Matter for You and Your Business?

Paul Preston, Associate Director, Innovation Policy The Conference Board of Canada Paul will present research findings from the Conference Board’s innovation research, including the Innovation Report Card, outlining the role of innovation and productivity in our economy. He will discuss the innovation performance of Canada relative to peer countries, and the extent of ICT adoption in this country and how it impacts Canadian competitiveness. He will also explore why this matters for all firms, and particularly SMEs, in competing globally.

9:40 – 10:20 a.m.

SME Presentation #1: Demonstrating the Value of Adopting Digital Technologies Sharlene Goobie, Controller PF Collins Ron Malone PF Collins Sharlene and Ron will discuss the value of adopting digital technologies at PF Collins, including the impacts it has had on productivity and business growth. In particular, they will discuss the drivers behind the investment decisions, what road-blocks had to be addressed, and what benefits have been achieved to date.

10:20 – 10:40 a.m.

Networking/Health Break

10:40 – 11:20 a.m.

SME Presentation #2: Demonstrating the Value of Adopting Digital Technologies Blue Ocean Satelite Systems

© Copyright 2013 The Conference Board of Canada

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HOW CAN ICT ADOPTION HELP DRIVE SME PRODUCTIVITY AND GROWTH NOVEMBER 13TH, 2013

The speaker will discuss the value of adopting digital technologies at Blue Ocean Satelite Systems, including the impacts on productivity and business growth. In particular, the speaker will discuss the drivers behind the investment decisions, what road-blocks had to be addressed, and what benefits have been achieved to date.

11:20 – 12:00 p.m.

Facilitated Discussion: How does this Apply and Why Does it Matter?

12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Networking Lunch

1:00 – 2:10 p.m.

The Economic Outlook: Global and National Forecast and What it Means for Canadian Business Pedro Antunes, Director, National and Provincial Forecast The Conference Board of Canada Pedro will provide the global and national economic forecast, commenting on a number of important changes taking place in Canadian regions. For instance, while Newfoundland and Labrador’s economic picture is bright, the rest of Atlantic Canada is not so rosy. He will also comment on how these macro economic factors link to productivity, innovation, and trade, providing foresight into what the next few years may look like for Canada, and helping to uncover why these issues are important for SMEs. Last, Pedro will discuss the impact ICT investment has on prosperity – for example, the productivity miracle in the US appears to be strongly linked to the level of ICT adoption.

2:10 – 2:45 p.m.

Facilitated Group Discussions

2:45 – 3:00 p.m.

Networking/Health Break

3:00 – 3:40 p.m.

ICT and Productivity Growth Dr. Alan Hughes, Margaret Thatcher Professor of Enterprise Studies (TBC) Cambridge Judge Business School, University of Cambridge Dr. Hughes will be presenting via web conference on the role of ICT in Productivity Growth. He argues that effective adoption of ICT relies on a holistic solution which recognizes that there is no single factor, or even just a few, which leads to successful exploitation. Rather success comes from the artful crafting of a series of interrelated and mutually interdependent driving forces. The paradoxical ‘gap’ between investment in computers and realized performance can be closed if this lesson is absorbed.

3:40 – 4:30 p.m.

Wrap-up and Facilitated Session Paul Preston, Associate Director, Innovation Policy The Conference Board of Canada Sarah Dimick, Project Manager The Conference Board of Canada

4:30 p.m.

Adjournment

© Copyright 2013 The Conference Board of Canada

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