By designating the first two innovation zones (ZI) this winter, the Government of Quebec has given initial impetus to its project to create a vector of innovation and economic development promised in 2020.
Last February, Quebec announced the launch of Sherbrooke quantique and Technum Quebec. The first will focus on the development of quantum science and technology. Investments of more than $435 million over five years are expected, including $131 million already promised by the government.
Technum Québec, located in Bromont, will specialize instead in the field of intelligent electronic systems. Investments of more than $255 million are planned for the next five years, including $24.7 million provided by Quebec. The C2MIy innovation center will play an important role and has already been promised $19.5 million in public funds to support projects.
An economic engine
The ZIs are inspired by similar models found, for example, in the United States, Germany and France. “The form may vary, but the formula always consists of concentrating research efforts and business and entrepreneurship support services in a specific region and economic sector”, summarizes Pascal Monette, CEO of the Association for the development of research and innovation in Quebec (ADRIQ).
When the ZIs were launched, the government gave them the mandate to facilitate the transition from the idea to the market, to enable the creation and growth of innovative businesses. “This is an important aspect, because historically, Quebec has been successful in the development of research and development, but less so in the commercialization phase,” recalls Pascal Monette.
Quebec also wants these zones to attract more private investment, especially foreign investment, and promote “clean and sustainable economic growth”. The launch was also accompanied by investment announcements from IBM, 1QBit, Pasqal and Eidos in the case of Sherbrooke quantique and, on the side of Technum Québec, from Black Pearl Technology, Teledyne DALSA and Aeponyx.
Success factors
The government has reportedly received around thirty applications since the announcement of the ZI selection process in February 2020. What elements can promote the success of such projects?
When he was a member of the board of directors of Technoparc Montréal, Pascal Monette had the opportunity to visit Kendall Square, a square behind the famous Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where there is a biopharmaceutical group composed of researchers, incubators and services for businesses. With ADRIQ, he was also very interested in the American National Network for Manufacturing Innovation.
By observing these American industrial clusters, the ADRIQ identifies certain success factors. Among the most important are political leadership, the stability of public policies and the sustainability of funding.
“If the wind changes sides with each new government, it won’t work,” warns Pascal Monette. Local economic development and philanthropy organizations, as well as universities and research facilities play a crucial role.
“The mission of ZIs is precisely to create links between these players and companies and entrepreneurs in order to stimulate innovation and the appearance of dynamic start-ups,” maintains Pascal Monette. In this sense, the approach shows great potential. »