The Ontario Science Centre’s third annual Science Literacy Survey reveals most Canadians (74%) believe that science and technology will play a major role in solving the world’s challenges. However, many are concerned about the impact of new technologies such as artificial intelligence (62%), automation (60%) and the “Internet of Things” (54%) once they are applied in everyday life. The study also reveals a worrisome development: 54 per cent of respondents believe society is turning away from science. Each year, the Ontario Science Centre publishes the results of its Science Literacy Survey to coincide with Science Literacy Week, a national celebration of science from September 17 to 23.
Most Canadians are optimistic about the power of science and technology, but this optimism coexists with an underlying concern about how new technologies are being put into effect. All things considered, respondents believe that scientific advancement will likely end up solving far more problems than it will create and many benefits will result from future scientific and technological advancements, like safer equipment and products, and better health care.
The implementation of most advanced technologies causes discomfort
Canadians recognize the need for technology in their daily lives, but many feel nervous putting it into practice. While many respondents (45%) believe artificial intelligence will have a large impact on improving and advancing society, concern over its implementation is still high (62%). The same concern holds true for large-scale automation (60%) and devices enabled by the “Internet of Things” (54%).
In contrast, Canadians believe that alternative fuels and bioengineered body parts will have a significant impact on improving and advancing society (58% and 43%, respectively), and far fewer respondents expressed concerns about these technologies.
Scientific advancement will lead to improved quality of life
Canadians feel hopeful in the role that science and technology can play in solving humanity’s greatest challenges and improving their lives. A clear majority believe that science contributes to improved quality of life (84%). Additionally, most Canadians believe scientific and technological advancements will benefit society:
- 63% believe they will lead to safer equipment and products
- 62% believe they will lead to better health care
- 58% believe they will lead to more efficient processes
- 53% believe they will lead to new skills development
- 36% believe they will lead to better quality jobs
Science and technology institutions are critical for improving science literacy
Science centres, being among the most trusted sources of accurate information (90%), are called on to play a vital role in helping Canadians understand, engage with and use scientific knowledge in their day-to-day lives. The majority of Canadians believe that most people do not understand the impact of science on their everyday lives (81%). They also indicate interest in improving their science literacy and learning more about science and how it affects their world (83%). Initiatives like Science Literacy Week are a catalyst for Canadians to engage with the science and technology community.
For full Science Literacy Survey results, please visit SciLitSurvey2018.
Methodology
An online survey of 1,501 Canadians was completed between June 18 and June 26, 2018, using Leger’s online panel. The margin of error for this study was +/-2.5%, 19 times out of 20.
Ten diverse technology companies join Lazaridis Scale-up program
Posted in Commentary on September 18, 2018 by itnerdThe Lazaridis Institute for the Management of Technology Enterprises, based at Wilfrid Laurier University’s Lazaridis School of Business and Economics, has selected 10 of Canada’s most promising technology companies to participate in the third cohort of the Lazaridis Scale-Up Program.
The innovative program, now in its third year, helps emerging companies achieve global success by providing critical resources, including one-on-one time with international business experts, 120 hours with dedicated growth specialists, and access to a national peer group of entrepreneurs.
The Lazaridis Institute has chosen 10 Canadian companies that have demonstrated the potential to dominate their markets and are ready to take the next steps to grow globally.
The companies in the third cohort of the Lazaridis Scale-Up Program are:
The cohort companies took part in a competitive selection process beginning with an online application powered by open database company Hockeystick. A panel of North American venture capitalists and industry experts then gathered for video interviews to select the 10 companies who showed the most promise for rapid growth and the best fit with the program.
The Lazaridis Scale-Up Program is tailored each year to the specific challenges faced by the companies in the cohort as they scale their businesses. Over the course of six months, the cohort will travel to six different cities across North America for intensive weekend workshops with experienced executives.
Past workshop topics have included leadership for growth, next-level product development, scaling customer acquisition, finance and operations, and expanding in global markets. The companies will also meet and begin to work with the sector and functional-area specialists, sourced from across North America, who will be supporting them for the next year.
Since its commencement in 2016, the Lazaridis Scale-Up Program has worked with 20 companies from Victoria, BC to Halifax, NS. Surveys demonstrated that, after only one year, 100 per cent of the companies in the first cohort had increased revenues and 90 per cent had launched a new product or service, increased exports and received external financing.
The 2018/2019 Lazaridis Scale-Up Program will begin on Oct. 25, 2018 in Toronto. Participants will travel to Toronto, Vancouver, New York and Palo Alto, among other cities, for this year’s weekend modules. Learn more about the Lazaridis Scale-Up Program and previous cohort companies.
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