Post-Pandemic Innovation and Productivity for SMEs

During this current pandemic, Small and Medium Enterprises or SMEs are among the most harshly hit areas of the Canadian economy. These SMEs account for approximately 98% of businesses in Canada and make up over 50% of the Canadian GDP. Also, up to 70% of employment in the country is generated by these SMEs. It goes without saying that Canada's economic recovery is closely tied to the recovery of these SMEs. But, is it enough to just re-establish these SMEs or is it finally the time for Canada to promote research, development and innovation in one of the most crucial areas of our economy? Why have we been unable to promote our SMEs' productivity and expansion? Why do we see innovative firms leave Canada, despite benefiting from our public research and development funds? In terms of the pandemic, what does innovation mean for our economic recovery? As we make plans to come out of the pandemic and start building back better, perhaps it is time to reflect on our economy to make Canada more competitive on a global stage. This episode will look at Canadian competitiveness and post-pandemic recovery, with a particular eye on the Small and Medium Enterprises, the SMEs.

Robert Asselin is the Senior Vice President for the Policy at the Business Council of Canada. He has led the business council to develop numerous strategies related to economic growth, job creation, and fiscal and tax policies. Before joining the Business Council of Canada, Robert worked as a Senior Global Director for Public Policy at BlackBerry. He also has over 10 years of experience providing economic and financial advice to the government, including working as a Policy and Budget Director to Canada’s Finance Minister, and as a policy advisor to Prime Ministers Paul Martin and Justin Trudeau. He also serves in numerous academic portfolios in Canada and the US, including serving as a Fellow at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto. 

Sean Speer is currently Fellow in Residence and Prime Ministers of Canada Fellow at the Public Policy Forum. His latest research explores the perceptions and realities shaping the Urban-Rural divide in Canada, and the implications for policymakers and leaders. He is also an assistant professor at the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy. He previously served as a senior economic adviser to former Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

This episode was produced by:

Wahaj Alam - Senior Producer

Gillian Monckton - Junior Producer

Erin Christensen - Executive Producer

Music:

“The Night” by Suelan