Geneviève comes with over 20 years’ experience in communications and special events with a variety of key roles in encouraging and facilitating creative media growth in various markets including Vancouver as well as London, England.

Geneviève was the Events and Filming Group Manager for Westminster City Council in London where they facilitate over 850 events and 2500 filming activities per year. Her experience fostering relationships with key internal stakeholders (i.e. Council Leaders and Departments) and external stakeholders (i.e. Metropolitan Police, London Fire Brigade, Transport for London, Film London, British Academy of Film and Television Arts, BBC) should help considerably in the challenging multi-government environment that is Ottawa.

The City of Ottawa recognizes the huge potential that the film, television and the rapidly growing global digital media industry represents and is now prepared to make considerable investment into bringing outside production to Ottawa and growing our local resources. Acknowledging the wealth of resources and networks established by her predecessors, Geneviève looks forward to working with Ottawa’s key partners and stakeholders to get the cameras rolling.

As in mainland China, I do not see pessimism and fear of collapse. I do see aggressiveness, a constant search for economic opportunity, the hunt for the deal. During a meeting with two of the leaders of the Hong Kong Medical and Healthcare Device Industries Association, mention is made of the changes that have occurred in recent years. Originally, members were all manufacturers and the manufacturing was all done in Hong Kong. Today, the majority of the members remain manufacturers, but the manufacturing is not done in Hong Kong. Many of the new members are service companies that understand the demand in mainland China and often throughout Asia. Their role is to put together the product and services that meet the demand. And, the interest goes beyond the original deal. They point out their knowledge of the market. Several examples are given of opportunities that they have exploited by taking individual technologies originally directed at medical devices to other sectors. Always looking toward the deal and commercial opportunities.

Another example of the adaptation is the relationship to investment in mainland China. As China modernized, Hong Kong served as the entry point of foreign direct investment (FDI) into China. With the rise of personal wealth and the stated policy of having Chinese companies go global, the investment flow is reversing. Hong Kong is becoming the financial vehicle to move personal and corporate investment out of China into the rest of the world.

As the economy of China evolves, so does the role of Hong Kong. The opportunity has moved beyond legal, financial and intellectual risk protection as investors look to participate in the growing Chinese and indeed larger Asian economies. Equally or more important today is its role as the gateway out to the global economy. Hong Kong: never the City State to stand still.

Global economics does not stand still. Many of the clothing related businesses came to Guangzhou. The development of Shenzhen began and the smaller electronics manufacturing sector in Hong Kong began a shift to there.

Fast forward nearly three decades. With Shenzhen’s concentration in Information and Communications Technologies, it continues to have rapid growth. Guangzhou is facing a different challenge. Many of the industries that were the foundation for its growth are either in decline or suffering competition from the next generation of developing country. The region is the wealthiest in China and to maintain that position, it is repositioning itself from low cost manufacturing sectors to knowledge based industries. While parts of China are still in the initial stages of modernization, Guangzhou is already well into its second generation of modernization.

As with all things in China, the size and speed of the transformation are noteworthy. The transformation began nearly a decade ago with the creation of a Park to attract foreign companies. Next step was an adjacent Park that concentrated on the development of local companies addressing the domestic Chinese markets. Now the third stage is in development to ensure that all the urban infrastructure and services are available in the Parks to attract and retain companies and talent. The third stage is also looking to develop a stronger base in the Knowledge Based Industries. It is being developed as an intelligent and sustainable community. In total, the three stages cover hundreds of square kilometres.

Once again the influence of the 12th Five Year Plan is evident. Our discussions begin with the potential of linking our companies for co-development. There is considerable examination of best practices and how they can be applied in Guangzhou and in the relationship between Guangzhou and Ottawa. There is openness to the potential of applying Ottawa technology related to intelligent and sustainable communities to the infrastructure being built in Guangzhou.

Although the visit is short, it is interesting to observe a region in China that is already into its second generation of development. In particular, is the willingness of the region to learn and to adopt best practices and technology that will accelerate the ability of Guangzhou to meet its aggressive objectives. Not only is China moving to become globally competitive, but its regions are moving to ensure their competitiveness within China.

Back home in Ottawa, we struggle with issues of financing both to start the next generation of knowledge-based companies and to help build our small and medium sized companies into globally competitive companies. We must convince our next generation of technology entrepreneurs and engineers that science, engineering and math are critical for their future prosperity. We must fight to convince our media that Ottawa is a global innovation centre.

Our first meeting is with the Chongqing State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission. Established in 2002, their role is to oversee the 38 local companies owned by the state and having 1.3 trillion RMB in assets. Government organization, large bureaucracy, slow to react: NO! They have US$ 30 billion over the next five years to enhance their corporations, increase their international reach, and introduce innovation. They have analyzed their sectors of strength, the needs of their corporations to expand and the regions in the world best suited for mutual cooperation and growth (yes, Canada is one). And they are not just talking about it. Already investment deals have been done. Certainly natural resources are a target, but only one of six that also include high technology and information and communication technologies.

Our next meeting is with the New North Zone Technology Park. We have a half hour briefing on the significant gains that they have made since our last meeting less than a year ago. They have established an innovation centre and it is expanding rapidly. New sectors are being added including bioscience and intelligent transportation. After listening, I cannot help comment to them on how refreshing it is to hear so much good news. Back home in Ottawa, I am bombarded by reports of the expanding sovereign debt crisis in Europe, the failure of the U.S. government’s Select Committee to reach consensus on budget reduction measures, and how all this will affect the global economy and my pocketbook. And here I am having an hour long dialogue on opportunities for mutual growth and prosperity. They laugh when I tell them that I must make a strong commitment to learn Chinese so that I can listen to Chinese media rather than North American and European media.

One of our longest standing partners here, is the Chongqing Foreign Trade and Economics Relations Commission. We have long worked with them to coordinate incoming delegations to Ottawa looking for trade opportunities. An important present government policy is the increasing of imports into Chinese industries, and that it is one of their roles. They know that Canada and Ottawa have shifted their knowledge based sectors to a more service rather than manufacturing orientation looking to concentrate on sustainable high value add components of the global supply chains. They are anxious to partner and learn from us. They also want to discuss how they can help increase trade and investment with Canada and Ottawa. No buy America, no discussion of increasing border security, no protectionism. We walk away with several projects to our mutual benefit.

Our last stop this day is with one of the state-owned businesses, the Chongqing Machinery & Electronics Holding Corp. The Canadian Consulate in Chongqing had brought them on a familiarization tour to Ottawa and Waterloo in September. The meetings had been good, but I felt that we had missed the mark a bit. Ours are innovative companies, mostly in the SME sector. They tend to provide innovative components to a larger solution. I felt that the Chongqing company was looking for those larger solutions. As it turned out, I was right but the presentations in Ottawa and Waterloo were similar. The company officials listened and went back and made a recommendation that consideration should be given to the investment in technologies that will enhance their future products rather than solely on investing in mature products that may have a limited future life. Senior management listened and the company will follow up in Ottawa and Waterloo.

What a refreshing concept, you do your homework, you present a logical argument and the client listens. I will take the optimism associated with doing business in China over the pessimism of the United States and Europe any day.

I was surprised to learn that there are 750,000 people of Hispanic origin in Canada. They are the most likely Canadians to be university educated. Over 70 percent have arrived in the last twenty-five years.

It was indeed humbling to be on stage with the winners. A world renowned neurologist; a member of the Globe and Mail editorial board; a philosopher, scientist and author of over 100 books; a Vice President of Genome Quebec; an award winning entrepreneur and the organizer of the Carnival del Sol in Vancouver. The acceptance speeches made one fact very clear. All were thankful to Canada for giving them the opportunity to excel and reach their full potential. They also made the point that their roots in Hispanic countries gave them their foundation and remained an important part of who they are. Celebrating this level of excellence and celebrating the critical contribution of both homelands gives a better understanding of the diversity that makes Canada.

Canada is a trading nation. Without doubt, our prosperity and quality life could not be maintained without our continuing “to punch above our weight” in the global economy. As Minister Ablonczy correctly noted, immigrants to Canada create the people linkages to their homelands that allow us to trade, invest and prosper. Congratulations to Mauricio for having the foresight and drive to launch not only the Canadian Hispanic Business Association, but also to create these awards that recognize the contribution of Hispanic Canadians to Canadian prosperity.

Our introduction to the group was made by Minister Counsellor Jiang from the Embassy of China in Canada. We first visited the group in Beijing in June of this year. From that meeting, at which we were also accompanied by Majid Dellah from our Embassy in Beijing, the commitment was made to visit Canada, including Ottawa. We were amazed how fast they acted on that commitment: here they are talking business in early October.

Presenting company representatives from the from the China Association of Environmental Protection Industries (CAEPI) visit on October 14, 2011

Each of the Chinese companies had the opportunity to give a brief overview of their company and the opportunities that they see for Canadian companies. The companies talk specifics and have obviously done their homework on Canada and the companies in the room. Smiles break out amongst the Canadians as they realize that first the Chinese companies need their technologies and do not have time to wait for them to be developed in China. Second, the companies are seeing that my favourite line about China is true, think of the size of the opportunity and then add six zeros.

One on one sessions with Chinese and Canadian company reps during the CAEPI visit

The afternoon one on one meetings demonstrated the value of these visits. Sophie, my Asia Project Manager, was to get the Ottawa companies to rotate through the companies from China according to a pre-arranged schedule. As Sophie sounds the bell for the first changeover, companies remain in heated discussion. We hit the classic dilemma, do we turn an obvious home run into a single, or do we let them go. After hurried discussions with the Association leadership, the decision is made not to stop the obvious success of the one on one meetings. Our well planned afternoon turns into organized chaos as Sophie struggles to ensure that all one on one meetings are held, but not by cutting short solid business exchanges.

Was it worth it? The organizer of the Chinese delegation sent us an email stating: “It was the best meeting I have ever seen, congratulations”. Danmei Yang from CHFour Boiogas added “The event provided a platform for Chinese and Canadian companies to know each other’s needs, and promoted the opportunities for cooperation…It was an excellent workshop!”.

Participants in the CAEPI visit on October 14, 2011

The day ends for our Chinese guests with a windshield tour of Ottawa. I started the morning session by welcoming them to the greenest, most sustainable Capital city on the planet. It is only fitting that our guests get the opportunity to see and enjoy the proof.

Tuesday saw a visit from our digital media and film consultant in California, Gathers Strategies. Wednesday, we hosted our first private sector association visit from China, The China Association of Environmental Protection Industries. On Thursday and Friday, we were the co-sponsors with the Medical Device Innovation Institute of the 2011 Medical Device Summit. On Friday, we welcomed the Guangdong Association for International Science and Technology Cooperation.

Through the Ontario Technology Corridor (Ottawa, Toronto, Waterloo, London and Niagara in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade) Ottawa has participated in a multi-year effort to increase the profile of our digital media industry in California. Working through Gathers Strategies, a company with strong connections in the digital media and film industries, we identified several investment opportunities in the region, as well as established relationships with numerous companies in the digital media industry.

Dwayne Gathers is in Ottawa to help define our 2012 program. We used the opportunity to have Dwayne deliver a seminar to several companies in the sector. Key take-aways are:

• The market in Los Angeles alone is $13.6 billion annually
• Companies there are on a constant search for new pools of talent
• Cost competitiveness is a major driver
• Increasing challenges in Asia are resulting in a shift back to North America

More important to Ottawa companies was an extended discussion on the needs of specific companies in California. In a market like California, key decision makers are constantly bombarded by requests from companies claiming to be the best in the world, with the most competitive prices and the fastest delivery. Companies without an “in” in the region are allocated quickly to the trash bin. Even with an introduction, you better have a solid value proposition and presentation, or once again, into the trash bin.

Several potential opportunities are identified and discussed. Were our companies satisfied, here is a quote from David Fortier of PIP Animation “This was a great opportunity for the industry to get together and talk about our collective needs, and to have immediate feedback into the LA market through Dwayne was fantastic. It is good to know we have OCRI pushing for businesses like ours, and your efforts are greatly appreciated. To have them turn into direct connections with potential contracts so quickly is simply phenomenal.” OCRI and Gathers Strategies have done their job, bringing real opportunities to the companies. Now, they have to close.

In 2012 we are launching a full on (former California Governor) Arnold Schwarzenegger assault of the digital media and television and film industry in Los Angeles and San Francisco, but our weapons are talent and technology!

Building on the momentum generated by the inaugural Canadian Cleantech Summit, this year’s summit (October 27-28 at the Ottawa Convention Centre) brings together leading entrepreneurs, executives, investors, international trade representatives, corporate partners and policy makers to generate discussion to help determine the future direction for Canada’s globally competitive stance on clean technology.

Keynote speakers include: Dr. David Keith, Canada Research Chair in Energy and the Environment; Chuck Szmurlo, Vice President, Emerging Technologies, Enbridge Gas; Don Roberts, Vice-Chairman of CIBC Wholesale Banking, and Managing Director Clean Technology and Renewable Energy Sectors; Marc Stoiber, Brand Innovation and Sustainability Specialist; Nicholas Parker, Executive Chairman, Cleantech Group, Chairman of the Board, WaterTAP; Chris Weston, President and CEO, Direct Energy; and Dr. Ian Potter, Vice-President, Engineering, National Research Council Canada.

Panel discussions will focus on emerging technologies and research, markets, financing and funding and policy and will tackle topics in oil, gas and mining, transportation, waste to energy, China, market entry, strategic procurement, short and long-term funding trends, and provincial programs to support the sector.

Given the huge potential for this sector and the amazing opportunity that this summit represents to initiate real dialogue to move forward, the summit is a must attend. Visit canadiancleantechsummit.com for full details.

Several points are raised by the foreign guests about innovation. One recurring theme is that innovation can’t be forced. As China moves from a planned to a market economy, an ecosystem supporting innovation will have to be created. The point is also made that innovation happens not at the national level but at the local level. It is noted that major innovations in the United States have been made by entrepreneurs out in the local economy not in Science Parks. Much is made about the absorptive capacity of companies and markets.

Different points come from the Chinese regions. It is evident that cloud computing and the internet of things are new buzz words in China. At this conference and in recent visits by Chinese delegations to Ottawa, these two topics come up continually. Almost every region is jockeying to become the leader in China. An emphasis is placed on the necessity for providing the seed capital necessary to grow the companies. The infrastructure must be in place to help companies drive down costs as competition continues to grow in the domestic market. An interesting comment was that levels of protectionism within China must be reduced as companies look to global markets.

The session ends with a question and answer period with the audience. The focus of the discussion changes quickly to talent. There is a definite thirst for entrepreneurism and the growth of innovative companies but continuing questions are raised about the immaturity of talent development. Infrastructure is increasingly in place with respect to financing, physical space and research but not on the talent side of business. Numerous questions are asked to the foreign guests on how entrepreneurship can be encouraged and how their regions support entrepreneurs and high growth companies. All regions make the point that success in the developing global knowledge based economy is all about talent, how you develop, attract and retain top talent.

The Mayor of Beijing, Guo Jinlong, reiterates the critical role that the Z-Park and its over 580,000 employees play in the future of China. Interestingly, he makes the point that Beijing and China are now moving from investment driven growth to growth driven by innovation. Not only must China grow its science and technology capacity but also its creative industries.

Mayor of Beijing, Guo Jinlong, opens the Annual Conference of the Zhongguancun (Z-Park) Forum

Wan Gang, the Chinese Minister of Science and Technology, further builds on the theme. He makes the link between innovation driven growth to continuing economic development and to continuing social growth. He also makes it clear that international cooperation is important to China’s innovation objectives.

In the afternoon, I am a panellist in the session on talent. As always, my education on China continues. Given China’s emphasis on education and the large numbers of scientist and engineers that are produced, my natural assumption is that organizations like the Z-Park have well developed systems for talent development. It is my understanding that I am to give a talk on the specifics of how talent is critical to a high performing region like Ottawa and how we develop, attract and retain that talent.

The other speakers, from local organizations and IBM, do address the link between innovation and talent but talk more to models for talent development rather than specifics of talent development. I talk about the education system but also about ongoing professional development and initiatives to attract top talent to the region. During the discussion period with the audience, the questions are mostly high level and oriented to process. Bringing graduates back from foreign education and with foreign business experience predominate the discussion.

I make the common rookie mistake, don’t expect other regions to have a similar ecosystem. China and its technology showpiece, Beijing’s Z-Park, are still relatively new to global competition. Progress is certainly at warp speed, but in many areas, including talent development, their journey is just beginning.