Welcome to my Blog
Posted by gsisovit on March 17, 2008
Hello fellow marketers,
This is my initial blog posting for my GTA Clusters class at Seneca College. I am focusing my blog on the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry cluster in the GTA. I will also be relaying news & articles on other similar clusters in other communities. In my first posting, I will be outlining exactly what the ICT cluster in the GTA is all about. The following information was obtained from the Economic Profile in the Toronto.ca website on clusters.
http://www.toronto.ca/invest-in-toronto/informationtech.htm
Toronto is the technological heart of Canada. The city’s vital Information and Communication Technology (ICT) cluster has been contributing more than $20 billion annually to the economy. Globally focused manufacturers and developers create software, hardware, New Media and communications solutions that permeate and act as catalysts in all areas of the economy. With its world-leading R&D, expert talent pool, renowned post-secondary education, supportive government initiatives and high-performance infrastructure, Toronto is a natural hub where information-oriented companies can invest and excel.
Key factsToronto ICT Cluster the largest in Canada and 3rd largest in North AmericaToronto has the largest concentration of private ICT facilities (100 or more employees) in Canada and the third largest in North America, behind San Francisco and New York respectively.
Source: 2004 E & B Data [ICT Study-Executive Summary (pg. 1)]
Toronto’s Competitive Advantage is its Depth and Diversity of its ICT Operations
Toronto ICT strengths are found in software and systems development; manufacturing; and ICT services. In this cluster, local and international firms undertake one or more of the following: software, computer services, professional services, end-user equipment, computer systems, semiconductors, communications equipment, wireline services, wireless services and creative and content development (New Media). 
N.C. = ‘Not Classified’
Source: 2004 E & B Data [2004 ICT Study (p. 4)]
Alliance Technologies
Allstream
Bell Canada
Celestica
CGI Group
IBM Canada
IDC Canada
Nortel
Motorola
Oracle Canada
Radiant Core, Inc.
Rogers
Sprint Canada
SAS Canada
Xerox Canada
Many world-leading high tech companies are drawn to Toronto to invest and grow their operations. SAS Canada, the world’s largest privately held software company, recently opened its $30 million new Canadian corporate headquarters on King Street East. The new 110,000 square foot facility stands eight storeys and features the latest advancements in environmental and architectural design, allowing it to become the first building in Toronto to be LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified.
Many of our companies have a global focus. For example, Autodesk recently took a major step to expand its presence in Toronto. It is now one of the world’s top leading innovators of 3D graphics software for film, video, electronic games, interactive media, visualization, architecture and industrial design. Its programs have won numerous awards including an Oscar from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for scientific and technical achievement for their development of Maya software.
Over the past few years, the City of Toronto together with other orders of government, has been working closely with ICT industry stakeholders to produce a Strategy for this strategic sector with the goal to become and be acknowledged globally, as one of the 5 most innovative, creative and productive locations in the world for ICT research, education, business, and investment by 2011. ICT Toronto, a multi-stakeholder partnership was created to serve as an advisory and reference group and potential ICT think tank to implement the ICT Strategy.
Association of Internet Marketing & Sales (AIMS)
Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance
Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS)
Centennial College (Centre for Creative Communications)
Greater Toronto Marketing Alliance (GTMA)
Industry Canada
Information Technology Association of Canada
Innovation Synergy Centre in Markham (ISCM)
Interactive Multimedia Arts and Technologies Association
International Trade Canada
MaRS Discovery District
Mississauga Technology Association
New Media Business Alliance
Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade
Rotman School of Business
Toronto Board of Trade
Toronto Regional Research Alliance (TRRA)
Toronto Venture Group
University of Toronto (Munk Centre)
York Technology Association
|
City of Toronto |
Greater Toronto Area |
|
|
Number of Companies |
1,685 |
3,362 |
|
Number of Employees |
75,000 |
148,000 |
In terms of overall operating costs for ICT operations (manufacturing and/or services), Toronto ranks second lowest amongst the top North American metropolitan areas (2003). The city excels on two key location factors, offering strong competitive advantages including labour force availability and market accessibility. In terms of market access, Toronto businesses have one of the best access entry points to consumers compared to all major metropolitan areas in North America. A market of upwards of 100 million people can be reached within a one-hour air flight of the GTA. In terms of labour force, Toronto is competitive in all key dimensions: creativity, availability, expertise and costs.
Fully Integrated ICT Cluster
The ICT industry is fully integrated with the rest of the economy. This industry supports the economy by enhancing productivity through the application of information technology. In turn, the Toronto economy provides a market for ICT products and the services developed and offered locally. Toronto region ICT firms target three distinct markets:
- Other ICT companies driving industry growth, innovation and export development;
- Consumer markets (e.g. gaming) in response to market demands and opportunities; and
- Financial services, business services and industrial markets driving increased productivity and the creation of new business applications (e.g. e-banking).
ICT Technology Markets in the Toronto Region
Source: 2004 E & Data [ICT Executive Summary, p. 3]
http://www.toronto.ca/invest-in-toronto/informationtech.htm
The information on this website provides an excellent introduction about what the ICT cluster in the GTA is all about. In order to fully stimulate open innovation in this sector, businesses must work together and collaborate with organizations in close proximity in order to stimulate innovation for the greater good of the industry. Look at how RIM has benefited from their relationship with Waterloo University, and how the company has prospered through these technical innovations.
This is just an introduction into the world of clusters & ICT, future blog postings will go more in depth into these topics.
Till Next Time….
George Sisovitis
