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Innovation in the Arctic:Squaring the Circle

Dr. Heather Exner-PirotManaging Editor, Arctic Yearbook

Strategist for Outreach and Indigenous Engagement, University of SaskatchewanArctic Summer College Fellow, 2015

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Innovation, Entrepreneurship and the Creative Class The global economy is shifting from a manufacturing

and industrial base to one driven by services and technology.

The new economy is driven by and will benefit the creative class (scientific, artistic, entrepreneurial or technological).

The creative class clusters in large cities. Where does this leave rural and remote areas? Where does this leave the Arctic?

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Barriers to Arctic Innovation Many existing technologies could help address chronic issues of

food insecurity, energy insecurity, health and education accessibility, and better quality housing and infrastructure. But:

Lack of educational attainment & STEM proficiency Dominance of public sector Conservative nature of rural communities = risk adverse, less

entrepreneurial, no capital, prioritize local knowledge No economy of scale inhibits commercialization High entry costs in extractive industry Lack of telecommunications infrastructure

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Strategies Going Forward Governments have readily embraced and supported

concepts of innovation, entrepreneurship, commercialization. But it’s hard to “program” this.

Wicked problem – is the solution to make northern communities more like urban areas?

Need to build capacity amongst Northerners themselves to identify, develop and commercialize innovations that support northern living. Education, networks, and regional economies are being promoted.