BCNETwork News

October 2006

The Vision of Education and Research Technology: BCNET’s 2006 AGM Reception

Over 75 prominent government representatives, researchers, academics and industry leaders joined BCNET and its Board of Directors on September 21, 2006 for the annual AGM reception. Attendees gathered to support the development of BC's advanced research networks and to share visions for the future of education and research technology. Keynote speakers, Dr. Moura Quayle, Deputy Minister of Advanced Education, and Dr. David Dolphin, CEO of the BC Innovation Council, spoke about the province’s forward thinking education and research strategies to drive economic growth.

Research and Education Drivers of Economic Growth

The evening commenced with the words of Dr. Moura Quayle, who addressed the government’s focus for economic growth – research and education – and how they are inextricably linked.
“The government recognizes that research and innovation are key drivers of economic growth and productivity,” said Dr. Quayle. “A healthy economy will, in turn, result in the improvement of the social, environmental and cultural well-being of British Columbians.”

Campus 2020: A Plan to Secure the Future of Post-secondary Education

Dr. Quayle talked about the provincial government’s new initiative – Campus 2020 – a plan to secure the future of post-secondary education and generate improvements in the system by 2020. Alluding to Premier Gordon Campbell’s July 14 speech, Dr. Quayle quoted the premier, “Our job,” she said, “is to be sure that the strengths of our universities, colleges and institutes are reinforced while we discover new innovations that will help shape the learning landscape of the future.”

A Catalyst for Innovation; Fostering Engagment with Industry

Dr. Quayle also introduced attendees to the Ministry of Advanced Education’s new strategy to form a division that will collaborate with BC’s technology industry and provide greater support for research and innovation. The government wants BC to become one of the world’s top 10 technology centers by 2010. “The division’s role is to be a catalyst as well as a champion for innovation,” said Quayle. According to Quayle, the government will work to raise the awareness of research, technology and innovative initiatives aimed at fostering engagement with industry.

Characterized as particularly critical to achieving these objectives was the advanced data communications infrastructure provided by BCNET, which Dr. Quayle recognized as part of the province’s solid foundation for research.

BCNET welcomed the support from its government counterpart and acknowledged its role as one that will continue to connect public and private industry leaders to super broadband networks. Its services will provide an expanding technological and collaborative landscape
where advanced research and innovation are made possible.

Ensuring Research, Innovation and Technology Flourish

As the evening progressed, the theme of education and research was continually revisited. Joining the reception as a keynote speaker was Dr. David Dolphin, CEO of the BC Innovation Council (BCIC), a Crown Agency which works to ensure that research, technology and innovation prospers within British Columbia. Dr. Dolphin’s speech highlighted the sectors that have become leaders in the province through the innovation and technology provided by advanced research networks.

Both keynotes ended their speeches on a congratulatory note, thanking BCNET for its role in providing world-class networking capabilities to the province. Said Dr. Dolphin, “I congratulate all of you at BCNET for looking towards the future to provide innovative, next generation networks for research and education.”