Selkirk College's Kootenay Tech Survey Focuses on Sector Enhancement
The importance of the tech sector in rural British Columbia continues to grow with a bright future for regions like the West Kootenay. As part of an ongoing effort to support sector retention and expansion, Kootenay Association for Science & Technology has partnered with researchers at the Applied Research & Innovation Centre to present a survey aimed at taking the temperature of today's landscape.
Seeking a deeper understanding of current opportunities and challenges facing local tech businesses, the Kootenay Association for Science & Technology (KAST) has partnered with Selkirk College researchers at the Applied Research & Innovation Centre (ARIC).
The project is a part of an ongoing effort to support tech business retention and expansion within the Kootenay region. KAST and Selkirk College researchers are conducting a survey on a variety of topics, such as challenges of recruiting and retaining workers, plans for future expansion, and overall business climate in the region.
“We are pleased to be part of this exciting project that will result in necessary services and initiatives to support local businesses,” says Dr. Ines Schrottenbaum, the lead researcher of the project.
The Kootenay Association for Science & Technology has partnered with Selkirk College researchers at the Applied Research & Innovation Centre have joined forces in a tech survey that aims to gain better understanding of the current issues facing the sector in the region.
Tech companies in the Kootenay region are encouraged to take this important survey online. Follow-ups by phone is included to ensure the results will be statistically valid. One-on-one video call meetings will also be conducted with a number of businesses to ensure results are enriched and meaningful.
“The tech sector is one of the major economic drivers in our local economy,” says Kailyn Skuban, KAST’s Director of Operations & Programs. “Research results will provide information that will measure the economic impact of the sector and contribute to the development of regional tech strategies that support business retention and expansion in the region.”
The Selkirk College ARIC building is located next to the West Kootenay Regional Airport near Castlegar Campus. More than 30 student and faculty researchers are currently working on a multitude of projects that support technological, economic, environmental and social aspects of local communities.
KAST is the only non-profit tech association serving the entire Kootenay region. Since 1998, KAST has led the region’s economic development through technology and innovation. You can find the tech survey here.