CALGARY: OPPORTUNITY-RICH IN THE NEW ECONOMY As COVID-19 vaccinations roll out around the world, communities continue to navigate the reopening of businesses, while protecting the most vulnerable. A return to pre-pandemic normalcy remains uncertain, but many major cities, including Calgary, are hedging their bets on technology as a path towards economic recovery. In fact, meeting the opportunity in a digital future is the focus of Calgary in the New Economy, the community’s economic strategy created over two years ago. With a vision to become the destination of choice for the world’s best entrepreneurs who embrace innovation to solve global challenges, Calgary is doubling down on technology – across established and emerging industries – for future growth. With the restructuring of the energy sector that began a half a decade ago, Calgary started down the path to a digitally-transformed economy ahead of other cities. From cleaner energy and safe and secure food, to the efficient
CALGARY IS DOUBLING DOWN ON TECHNOLOGY – ACROSS ESTABLISHED AND EMERGING INDUSTRIES – FOR FUTURE GROWTH.
movement of goods and people and better health solutions – the city is at the dawn of new opportunities with home-grown companies leading game-changing advancements. The pandemic has accelerated the digital transformation of industry around the world, which makes it clear – we’re on the right path forward. The proof is in the record volume of venture capital flowing into Calgary, with several billion-dollar “unicorn” deals across diverse sectors. New research for Calgary Economic Development by IDC Canada also reveals Calgary companies will lead the approximate $20 billion digital transformation spend across all industries in Alberta by 2024.
To learn more, visit calgaryeconomicdevelopment.com/the-new-economy
Signs of a long-term recovery are present and there’s space to grow in our opportunity-rich city. Calgary’s affordable downtown core is open for the taking by the burgeoning innovation ecosystem. The heart of the city can become a hub for any and all industries – think vertical farming, micro-distribution centres and green building conversions – the future is what we make it. As a city of problem solvers with a signature entrepreneurial spirit, Calgary will rise to the challenge time and time again. We will remain a global energy centre and leaders in the energy transition. A top tech talent city with a STEM-skilled workforce and a low corporate tax rate. An inclusive population with an enviable lifestyle. The disrupters – not the disrupted. The future will look different, but our people and the community have what it takes to expand our legacy as a world-class city solving global challenges.