A new initiative has been launched in Québec to bolster the province's economy by encouraging local businesses to adopt homegrown technology. The "I Adopt Québec's Tech" movement, co-founded by Québec Tech, Investissement Québec, and the Fonds de solidarité FTQ, aims to address lagging productivity by creating a stronger domestic market for the province's thriving startup ecosystem. This collective effort seeks to connect technology providers with local enterprises, fostering innovation from within.
Addressing a Critical Economic Challenge
The movement emerges as a direct response to Québec's persistent productivity challenges, an issue that has long been a focus for provincial economic leaders. According to the OECD, Canada ranks near the bottom of industrialized nations for productivity growth, with Québec facing an even greater deficit. This initiative provides a concrete strategy to reverse this trend by leveraging local innovation as a primary driver for economic strengthening and resilience.
A Collaborative Push for Local Innovation
The partnership between a non-profit, a government agency, and a capital development fund signals a unified front to tackle this issue. Richard Chénier, General Manager of Québec Tech, emphasized that while the province has undeniable talent, the key challenge lies in adoption. This sentiment is echoed by the co-founders, who believe that fostering strategic connections between corporations, SMEs, and local tech providers will enhance both productivity and long-term technological sovereignty.
Each organization brings a strategic focus to the movement, creating a comprehensive support system for Québec's economy. Geneviève Guertin of the Fonds de solidarité FTQ highlighted the goal of helping innovative companies gain local traction while boosting adopters' efficiency. Meanwhile, Marie-Eve Jean of Investissement Québec noted that strengthening local supply chains with homegrown technology is essential for improving the global competitiveness of the province's businesses.
Tangible Benefits for Member Companies
Beyond a simple promotional campaign, "I Adopt Québec's Tech" offers members a suite of practical resources designed to accelerate growth. Participants gain preferred access to a curated directory of pre-qualified, made-in-Québec technological solutions tailored to specific sector needs. This is complemented by customized support pathways where specialists assess a company's needs and recommend tailored adoption strategies to ensure successful implementation.
The program also provides guidance by connecting members with relevant government programs and key ecosystem organizations to maximize their innovation investments. To showcase their commitment, members can display an "I Adopt Québec's Tech" badge, gaining visibility on Québec Tech's platform and through features on successful adoption projects. This structured approach transforms the idea of buying local into a tangible competitive advantage for participating companies.
Fostering a Stronger Tech Ecosystem
This initiative is set against the backdrop of Québec's impressive but underutilized technology sector, which includes over 2,500 startups in an ecosystem valued at $99 billion. By creating a more robust domestic market, the movement helps local startups validate their products and build a strong foundation before expanding internationally. This strategy aims to keep more economic value within the province, creating a virtuous cycle of local investment and growth.
Data from the Conseil de l'innovation du Québec reinforces the rationale, showing that innovative companies are significantly more likely to achieve high revenue growth and export success. According to a 2024 report, such firms are 2.6 times more likely to anticipate annual revenue growth above five percent. By facilitating the adoption of best practices and new technologies, the movement directly supports these proven drivers of performance.
Ultimately, the "I Adopt Québec's Tech" movement represents a strategic and ambitious effort to reshape the province's economic future. By mobilizing the business community to champion its own innovators, the initiative aims to build a more productive, autonomous, and prosperous economy. The core message is clear: for Québec to succeed on the global stage, it must first believe in and embrace the talent within its own borders.