Polygon Created with Sketch. Home | Research

Understanding Future Skills: Emergence of an Ecosystem for the Digital Economy

The focus of this report is on the emergence of the digital economy ecosystem in Quebec, with a specific focus on the Montreal artificial intelligence cluster.

The report includes a mapping exercise that identifies and traces the connections between the many intermediary agencies involved in supporting the various initiatives and relationships that define this cluster. It also involves an exploration of the interface between different policy initiatives and institutions and how they have helped or hindered the development of the cluster.

An Individual using a laptop on an airplane

The authors also examine the impact of the digital economy, especially how various stakeholders present in this ecosystem – governments, consulting firms, employers, trade unions, and others – frame issues related to the impact of its arrival and growth on jobs and work. Critically, the shift in high demand skills brought about by the emergence of the digital economy, and the interaction of this shift on the other factors influencing the emergence of Quebec’s digital economy ecosystem, will form a central analytical thread that runs throughout the report. Correspondingly, the authors conclude the report with an exploration of the wider implications of their findings for all Canadians and the various skills strategies being developed with the aim of enabling other parts of the country to successfully navigate the future of skills.

View More Research

A diverse team collaborating in a bright modern office, with a woman in a pink blazer reviewing a clipboard with a seated colleague.
Research

From Jobs to Journeys: Rethinking How Canada Forecasts Skills Supplyexternal link icon

Canadian organizations are navigating rapid labour and technology transitions— automation, demographic aging, digitalization, and shifting educational pathways. Yet our core tools for forecasting skills supply are outdated.
Two colleagues reviewing content on a tablet outdoors, with a green living wall world map in the background.
Research

From Newcomers to Game Changers: A Scorecard for Immigrant Skill Utilizationexternal link icon

Canada has long prioritized selecting highly skilled and educated immigrants for permanent residency. Yet once they arrive, many find themselves unemployed or working below their qualification level.
A person seen from behind, wearing a brown jacket and carrying a denim backpack, walking along a sunny tree-lined path.
Research

Level Up: Shaping the Future of Learning and Development in Canadaexternal link icon

Automation, digital tools, and new work models continue to reshape jobs across every sector, and employees need access to high quality learning opportunities to keep pace.
View all Research