ORION is calling on a national vision and strategy to "future-proof" Canada's economy, by moving aggressively to prepare our country for the fast growing global digital economy. That's the key message ORION shared with the federal government in its submission to Industry Canada's consultation on "Improving Canada's Digital Advantage."

The importance of making a transition to a more fully digital economy is becoming a matter of urgent public priority in Canada. Many countries already have comprehensive digital economy strategies in place.

The federal government held an online public consultation aimed at creating a digital economy strategy for Canada. In nine weeks, more than 2,000 individuals and organizations shared their ideas and submissions to shape the development of a digital economy strategy that positions Canada to compete globally and succeed.

In its submission, "Future-Proofing our Country: Supporting a Bold Vision for Canada's Digital Economy Strategy," ORION responds to the Capacity to Innovation Using Digital Technologies section of the consultation paper. ORION focuses on what a successful digital strategy should address and the role and contribution of the research, education, discovery and innovation communities.

The ORION submission notes that although many of the fundamentals for implementing a comprehensive Digital Economy Strategy are in place, Canada has made significant investments in people, resources and facilities over several years that we can now leverage to support a common strategy, with clearly defined goals and targets.

ORION calls for a concerted and integrated vision and strategy that reflects a common commitment by government, business, public and private organizations, researchers, educators and citizens to "future-proof" our economy. The submission also calls on government to play a leading role in developing and selling the vision, creating innovative strategies and approaches, and harnessing our resources in business, society, research and academia to make a difference.

ORION also endorsed an important joint submission by CANARIE, Compute Canada, the Canadian Digital Media Network (CDMN), the Canadian Research Knowledge Network (CRKN) and the Canadian University Council of CIOs (CUCCIO), which also calls for an integrated strategy that facilitates the alignment of resources and priorities in research, education and innovation sectors. ORION also encouraged federal support for CANARIE. "This is vitally important to ORION, to all other Canadian regional networks, and to the millions of researchers, faculty, students and partners that rely on a robust national advanced network infrastructure that provides the pan-national and global connectivity we need to participate in the global digital economy."

To learn more about the consultation, visit http://de-en.gc.ca/consultation-paper/. Read the ORION submission here.