He adds that work is underway to change the policies surrounding intellectual property, to make it easier to take the technologies developed in these institutions, and invest and commercialize them in order to grow into new businesses and companies.

Schweitzer says there is a lot of strength in what he calls the “traditional economy,” which is comprised on energy, agriculture and forestry sectors, and that foundation can and should be built on.

“We need that traditional economy to grow and thrive, but there’s also a huge emerging economy as well when it comes to technology, and that’s another area where Alberta can improve, and make sure that we’re there to compete going forward as well.”

Schweitzer points to ordering food through apps and products through Amazon as innovation in technology that everybody uses, and that more and more technology will be used by businesses in the future. He says by making sure Alberta is there to compete in that sector will help all those other businesses that rely on technological advancements for everything from deliveries to inventory to providing their services.

Schweitzer says plans are in the works to invest in training opportunities and focuses efforts from post-secondary institutions designed to get young people into these fields, and help grow the technology sector in Alberta.

Schweitzer says IGS also has plans involving Invest Alberta, a new Crown Corporation dedicated to attracting investment to the province. Invest Alberta will work with the business community and those looking to invest in the province to help close transactions, and bring these organizations into Alberta.

“It’s really important that we attract investment into Alberta, that’s going to create jobs and opportunities here for people for years to come. So Invest Alberta’s there as a tool to work alongside our business community here to bring in investment into the province.”