The Hidden Power of Rural Canadian Innovation: Beyond the City Limits
Doug Jones
Rural Innovation Expert | CEO Ignite Atlantic | Building Sustainable Entrepreneurship Ecosystems in Small Communities | Transforming Rural Economies | 3X ABM Top 50 CEO/ Inventor, Author, Speaker
As someone who started in small communities, I've witnessed firsthand how rural Canada drives innovation. Today, let me share some powerful stories that challenge the urban-centric innovation narrative.
Rural Canada's Innovation Power
Did you know that rural Canada, covering 97.1% of our landmass, produces more GDP per worker ($116,000) than urban areas ($112,000)? This isn't just statistics - it's proof of our rural innovation capability.
Canadian Rural Innovation Heroes
Let's celebrate some remarkable Canadian rural innovators:
Joseph-Armand Bombardier from rural Valcourt, Quebec, revolutionized winter transportation with the snowmobile
Wallace and Harrison McCain from Florenceville, New Brunswick, transformed food processing globally
The Bell family in Baddeck, Nova Scotia, where Alexander Graham Bell conducted revolutionary experiments
Moses Coady from Margaree Valley, Nova Scotia, pioneered the cooperative movement
John Patch from Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, revolutionized maritime transportation by developing one of the first versions of the screw propeller.
Indigenous Innovation Leadership
Our Indigenous communities, with 60% living in rural areas, bring unique perspectives to innovation. Traditional knowledge combined with modern solutions is creating groundbreaking approaches to sustainability and resource management.
Women Leading Rural Innovation
Here's something powerful: Women are more likely to start new firms in rural areas than urban ones. Rural Canada is witnessing a revolution in women-led innovation, particularly in sustainable agriculture and community development.
Immigrant Entrepreneurs in Rural Canada
When immigrant entrepreneurs choose rural communities, they bring exceptional innovation rates. Data shows their rural businesses are 22.6% more likely to engage in formal innovation than Canadian-born owned firms.
Why Rural Innovation Works Here
Canadian rural communities offer unique advantages:
Strong community support networks
Access to natural resources
Lower operating costs
Real-world testing grounds
Connection to traditional industries
The Future is Rural Too
Our patent intensity gap is better than the OECD average, proving that rural Canada isn't just keeping up - we're leading. From agtech in the Prairies to marine innovation in the Atlantic, rural communities are driving Canada's innovation future.
A Call to Action
To my fellow innovators: Look beyond urban centers. Rural Canada isn't just surviving - it's thriving. Whether you're in Fogo Island or Fort McMurray, your location isn't your limitation - it's your competitive advantage.
What rural Canadian innovation stories inspire you? Share your experiences in the comments below.
#CanadianInnovation #RuralInnovation #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #RuralEconomy #Leadership
Executive Leader | Systems Thinker | Driving Impact Through Strategy, Collaboration, & Community Engagement
3wVery insightful. I would love to hear more on the three topics you highlighted or know where I can source additional information.
Project Manager @ 8 80 Cities | IAP2 Trained Facilitator | Rural Placemaking & Activation
2mo"Women are more likely to start new firms in rural areas than urban ones" — interesting! Where can I read more about this?
President & CEO at Novagevity
3moWell said Doug. It is imperative Rural has the same billing as Halifax. Not the case today but your work is very important. Food production in CEA is a no brainer yet falls to the bottom of the list all the time.