Innovation in the Arctic: Squaring the Circle Dr. Heather Exner-Pirot Managing Editor, Arctic Yearbook Strategist for Outreach and Indigenous Engagement, University of Saskatchewan Arctic Summer College Fellow, 2015

Innovation, Entrepreneurship and the Creative Class  The global economy is shifting from a manufacturing and industrial base to one driven by services and technology.  The new economy is driven by and will benefit the creative class (scientific, artistic, entrepreneurial or technological).  The creative class clusters in large cities. Where does this leave rural and remote areas? Where does this leave the Arctic?

Barriers to Arctic Innovation  Many existing technologies could help address chronic issues of food insecurity, energy insecurity, health and education accessibility, and better quality housing and infrastructure. But:  Lack of educational attainment & STEM proficiency  Dominance of public sector  Conservative nature of rural communities = risk adverse, less entrepreneurial, no capital, prioritize local knowledge  No economy of scale inhibits commercialization  High entry costs in extractive industry  Lack of telecommunications infrastructure

Strategies Going Forward  Governments have readily embraced and supported concepts of innovation, entrepreneurship, commercialization. But it’s hard to “program” this.  Wicked problem – is the solution to make northern communities more like urban areas?  Need to build capacity amongst Northerners themselves to identify, develop and commercialize innovations that support northern living. Education, networks, and regional economies are being promoted.