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Highlights From The Globe and Mail Innovation Summit
The Globe Innovation Summit, presented by Siemens, brought business leaders, policy makers and technology innovators together to explore opportunities and calls to action around digitalization.
The day started with a keynote presentation by Alex Benay, Chief Information Officer with the Government of Canada, who discussed how the federal government is transitioning to the digital economy and releasing data to spur business innovation. The keynote was followed by panel discussions on Industry 4.0, the energy transformation and technology for intelligent cities. See below for key takeaways from the event.
> SEE COVERAGE ON THE SUMMIT
> VIEW PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT
1 / Home and businesses will turn into mini power plants.
The energy sector is transitioning away from a centralized model with large asset-owners, into a decentralized model where consumers and businesses generate—largely through renewable sources—energy for the grid. Companies such as Uber and Airbnb have paved the way, helping consumers embrace the benefits of a shared economy approach, said Neetika Sathe, vice-president of advanced planning with Alectra Incorporated, an electrical utility in Mississauga, Ont.
2 / The energy sector is in a tug-of-war between innovation and frugality.
Sergio Marchi, President and CEO of the Canadian Electricity Association (CEA) said Canada’s energy infrastructure is rapidly aging. It needs to be rebuilt using innovative new technologies such as digitalization and connectivity. Yet, regulators are under immense public pressure to keep electricity rates as low as possible, stymying investments in new technology. A day of electricity “magic” for the average Canadian costs just over $3, Marchi said, compared to a café latte in the range of $4. Consumers should better understand the value electricity brings to their quality lives. This mindset change will open the door to embracing innovation, renewable energy investments and infrastructure renewal, he said.
3 / Digitalization is going strong in cities.
New planned neighbourhoods, office buildings and condos have built-in connectivity to provide more comfortable climate, energy-efficient use of lighting and heating systems, better management of waste collection and disposal, said David Gerofsky, CEO of First Gulf. These buildings even have innovations such as light-over-ethernet, and are being designed for an eventual future of self-driving vehicles. Beyond the building envelope, Gerofsky called for more attention and investment in public spaces. Urban dwellers are increasingly living in small 500 square-foot condos so it’s never been more important for cities to have public gathering places, parks and squares.
4 / Data must become democratized.
More than one speaker at the event emphasized how open, shared data drives innovation. Alex Benay (CIO with the Government of Canada) cited several examples of successful start-up companies borne out of new access to federal data. Beth Coleman, Director of the City as a Platform Lab with the University of Waterloo called for more open city data, so residents can better engage in conversations about planning and policy changes.
5 / Industry 4.0 shouldn’t be seen as a tool to reduce human labour.
With manufacturing’s push toward Industry 4.0 (connected machines, sensors and systems on the shop floor), many worry the technologies, which include artificial intelligence and machine learning, will replace humans. But Flavio Volpe, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ of Canada (APMA) said that isn’t the right approach. In Europe, Industry 4.0 has proven itself a way of getting more output and productivity out of current footprints and staffing levels, and that should be the approach Canada takes.
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS
The day started with a keynote presentation by Alex Benay, Chief Information Officer with the Government of Canada, who discussed how the federal government is transitioning to the digital economy and releasing data to spur business innovation. The keynote was followed by panel discussions on Industry 4.0, the energy transformation and technology for intelligent cities. See below for key takeaways from the event.
> SEE COVERAGE ON THE SUMMIT
> VIEW PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT
KEY TAKEAWAYS
1 / Home and businesses will turn into mini power plants.
The energy sector is transitioning away from a centralized model with large asset-owners, into a decentralized model where consumers and businesses generate—largely through renewable sources—energy for the grid. Companies such as Uber and Airbnb have paved the way, helping consumers embrace the benefits of a shared economy approach, said Neetika Sathe, vice-president of advanced planning with Alectra Incorporated, an electrical utility in Mississauga, Ont.
2 / The energy sector is in a tug-of-war between innovation and frugality.
Sergio Marchi, President and CEO of the Canadian Electricity Association (CEA) said Canada’s energy infrastructure is rapidly aging. It needs to be rebuilt using innovative new technologies such as digitalization and connectivity. Yet, regulators are under immense public pressure to keep electricity rates as low as possible, stymying investments in new technology. A day of electricity “magic” for the average Canadian costs just over $3, Marchi said, compared to a café latte in the range of $4. Consumers should better understand the value electricity brings to their quality lives. This mindset change will open the door to embracing innovation, renewable energy investments and infrastructure renewal, he said.
3 / Digitalization is going strong in cities.
New planned neighbourhoods, office buildings and condos have built-in connectivity to provide more comfortable climate, energy-efficient use of lighting and heating systems, better management of waste collection and disposal, said David Gerofsky, CEO of First Gulf. These buildings even have innovations such as light-over-ethernet, and are being designed for an eventual future of self-driving vehicles. Beyond the building envelope, Gerofsky called for more attention and investment in public spaces. Urban dwellers are increasingly living in small 500 square-foot condos so it’s never been more important for cities to have public gathering places, parks and squares.
4 / Data must become democratized.
More than one speaker at the event emphasized how open, shared data drives innovation. Alex Benay (CIO with the Government of Canada) cited several examples of successful start-up companies borne out of new access to federal data. Beth Coleman, Director of the City as a Platform Lab with the University of Waterloo called for more open city data, so residents can better engage in conversations about planning and policy changes.
5 / Industry 4.0 shouldn’t be seen as a tool to reduce human labour.
With manufacturing’s push toward Industry 4.0 (connected machines, sensors and systems on the shop floor), many worry the technologies, which include artificial intelligence and machine learning, will replace humans. But Flavio Volpe, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ of Canada (APMA) said that isn’t the right approach. In Europe, Industry 4.0 has proven itself a way of getting more output and productivity out of current footprints and staffing levels, and that should be the approach Canada takes.
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS
