Research + White Papers
Research
Environmental, Social, Governance Disclosure: SMEs and the Transition to Net Zero
Canadian SMEs produce approximately 45% of GHG emissions, but are not sufficiently equipped to engage in environmental, social, and governance issues related to reporting emissions. This report provides a contextual overview of Canadian SMEs working towards emissions compliance.
Research
Supporting Indigenous and Northern Entrepreneurs
We synthesized recent data on the North’s economy, and a literature review on the various barriers and enablers to entrepreneurship and businesses in the Territorial North (incl. Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut).
Research
Bridging the AI Skills Gap in Small and Medium-Sized Organizations in Canada
SMEs are at the heart of Canada’s economy, but without targeted supports, they risk being left behind in the AI transition. Addressing adoption gaps is not only about technology, it is also about building skills, confidence, resilience and equity into the future of work.
Research
Unlocking Canada’s Skills Potential: The Role of Education and Training Outside the Post-Secondary System
Education and training providers operating outside Canada’s formal post-secondary system—sometimes referred to as non-post-secondary institutions (non-PSIs)—are a critical driver of workforce development.
Signal49 Research, in partnership with the Future Skills Centre, is bringing the broader education and training ecosystem into focus—identifying who delivers what, to whom, and with what impact.
Research
From Experimentation to Integration: The Next Phase of AI in Higher Education
Signal49 Research, in partnership with the Future Skills Centre, is launching a new study to track AI’s evolving impact, spotlight emerging innovations, and identify what is needed to scale effective practices.
Research
Piloting Accessibility Diversity Assessment Tool: Supporting Employees with Disabilities
This report highlights the latest evidence on the barriers experienced by persons with disabilities in the workplace, as well as examples of tools and best practices to help SMEs integrate equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), accessibility, and disability inclusion into their organizational strategies, policies, and practices.
Research
AI in Action for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
This bulletin identifies real-world cases of SMEs across sectors and functions that are already implementing AI tools and achieving measurable results. From agriculture and manufacturing to retail and services, there is evidence that some firms are improving efficiency, increasing productivity, enhancing service quality, and reducing costs.
Research
Integrating Employment into Substance Use Recovery
This project examined how recovery and employment intersect in British Columbia and identified opportunities to strengthen recovery-to-employment pathways.
Research
Building British Columbia’s Mining Workforce
Regional assessments in the Cariboo and Northcoast/Nechako regions have identified logistical barriers to training, including housing shortages, childcare gaps, and geographic isolation. To address these issues, the research proposes a Workforce Development Accelerator Framework.