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Digital Innovation in the Mining, Oil and Gas Extraction, and Construction Industries in Saskatchewan

Date

2021-04-16

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

ORCID

0000-0002-0259-0863

Type

Thesis

Degree Level

Masters

Abstract

This thesis discusses the need for a change in perspective in Canadian innovation policy frameworks, explores the innovation ecosystems perspective and what it might add to public policy, and applies this perspective to investigate innovation in the mining, oil and gas extraction, and construction industries in Saskatchewan. The negative multifactor productivity (MFP) growth experienced in these industries over the last two decades suggests that these industries experience significant innovation challenges and public intervention may be merited. The study focuses on digital technology adoption as digital transformation will be key in overcoming several megatrends that threaten to disrupt Canada’s economy. The study is confined to firms in Saskatchewan for feasibility and because the industries of study represent a significant share of the provincial economy. Data was collected in 24 interviews with firms’ representatives. The results provide several directions for policy intervention in the three industries, some of which would not have been identified using conventional approaches. This is most evident for the construction industry where the prevalence of small firms, diversity of technology, and the need for simultaneous adoption of similar technology by many firms create significant financial, capacity, and coordination challenges for the industry.

Description

Keywords

Digital Innovation, Demand-side Innovation, Firm-level Perspective, Mining, Oil and Gas Extraction, Construction, Saskatchewan

Citation

Degree

Master of Public Policy (M.P.P.)

Department

Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy

Program

Public Policy

Part Of

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DOI

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