Mar. 2017 – To Innovate or not to Innovate…that is the question

Referencing this iconic Shakespearean quote seems appropriate given the state of today’s Vancouver Island (VI) Manufacturing Sector. Recent political upheaval south of the border has accelerated the profile in the public domain of innovation and technology integration within manufacturing industries. Is it actually possible to move out-sourced manufacturing jobs from overseas back to North America? Is it realistic to make our VI Manufacturing Sector more globally competitive? 

But let’s back it up a tad. I became involved in the Technology Industry during the mid-90’s. I was fascinated and intrigued by how technology would impact Industry and Business. Amongst the early adopters of technology innovation were the music, publishing and marketing industries. It’s a natural assumption to now think that technology adoption has been readily assimilated within business operational processes amongst a myriad of business sectors. However, the reality is that even though it is 2017, that latter assumption is not the case. Many business sectors have not successfully adopted and integrated enhanced technology processes and innovation into their operational environment. 

For example and specific to the manufacturing sector, how successful has the industry been towards adopting automation, robotics and advanced technology equipment? Recent Labour Market research indicates that the VI Manufacturing Sector has a unique opportunity to become a global think tank and leader in determining how to successfully adopt new technologies and innovation towards enhanced efficiency and productivity regarding equipment utilization, process implementation as well as intellectual expertise and experience. 

Doing “more with less” can and should be a “win/win” scenario and the VI Manufacturing Sector will lead the way! Stay tuned for updates in the near future.