This article was co-written by Sylvia Kingsmill, Partner and National Lead, Digital Privacy and Information Management, and Armughan Ahmad, Canadian Managing Partner, Digital and Technology Solutions, KPMG in Canada
Canada's digital ambitions are gaining speed, but there is ground to be gained to match – if not lead – our global peers. This is why KPMG is proud to be counted among the organizations consulted by The Honourable Navdeep Singh Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, to help define the country's digital objectives and set a roadmap for transformation.
Part of our consultations required taking a critical lens to Canada's digital maturity, the steps it has taken to become a more digital nation, and the trends and challenges that will define its next steps. To do this, we have enlisted subject matter experts from across KPMG's network to examine core issues, trends, and strategies that will ultimately shape our future digital state.
There are five superpowers of technology driving the revolution of digital economies: cloud, data, AI, mobility, and Internet of Things. Canada needs to decide how it wants to be part of that revolution and how it is participating in the advancement and adaptation of these disruptions.
Armughan Ahmad, Canadian Managing Partner, Digital and Technology Solutions, KPMG in Canada
There are challenges along the way. Despite Canada's success in seeding innovation hubs across the country, and our globally-recognized successes in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and advanced data tools, we continue to lag on the world stage. We have been slower to commercialize innovation; foster an adequate supply of sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) talent; and raise levels of awareness and interest for innovative new resources and processes among the Canadian people. Moreover, our vast geography makes it a challenge to ensure equal access to fast, reliable, and affordable high-speed internet for all; while international competition makes it equally difficult to keep our tech and innovation leaders from pursuing opportunities outside our borders.
These are all worthy obstacles, but they are far from insurmountable. To rise to our potential, we must:
Like any worthwhile journey, one rarely goes the distance alone. That is why, in addition to the objectives above, KPMG has connected with our member firms to discuss how Canada can further harness the skills and lay the groundwork for the 'smart' cities, businesses, and governments of the future.
Read ahead for insights in our digital future.
Let's do this.