Accelerate Okanagan is performing an analysis of the region’s technology sector, the organization announced recently.
Following up on an Economic Impact Study for the Okanagan Tech Sector from 2017, AO has tapped KPMG to help conduct a 2024 study.
“Studies like this are why Accelerate Okanagan has become the backbone of the Okanagan tech ecosystem,” posits Sean O’Connor, who serves as chief execution of 4AG Robotics (formerly TechBrew Robotics), a technology company based in Salmon Arm.
O’Connor positions AO as “a central hub for helping startups in the region stay connected and access resources, and they’re working to show that we can punch way above our weight.”
Understanding the tech sector’s contribution to the Okanagan’s economy will help amplify the expertise and growth opportunities, according to AO, which the organization says is critical in attracting talent and investment.
In 2017, the Okanagan region boasted nearly 700 tech businesses and a tech workforce north of 12,000 persons creating $1.7B in economic impact. Many are curious as to how these numbers have evolved in the seven years since.
Several regional organizations, including the City of Vernon, the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission, Tourism Kelowna, Okanagan College, UBC Okanagan, and the Kelowna International Airport, are in support of the updated study.
“It’s more important than ever to rally around the goal of building a world-class tech ecosystem in the Okanagan and help prop each other up while we look to build category-leading companies across the region,” says O’Connor.
The Economic Impact study will also dive deeper into understanding the different subsectors of tech taking shape in the region, including manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and aviation.
“Benchmarking and understanding the performance of a sector is critical for informing policymakers and allocating resources,” stated Krista Mallory, Manager at the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission.
A survey, which takes roughly 20 minutes to complete, is open for completion through June 30, according to KPMG. The survey is open to a wide range of firms.
“Technology is at the heart of all modern companies,” offers Alex Goodhew, who functions as community manage for Accelerate Okanagan. “Any business that identifies as a tech company is encouraged to participate in the study.”
A public report will be published in the fall.
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