Ottawa: Rewards for a Smart City in a Global Innovation Economy

Abstract

Ottawa has risen to lead global organizations like the G7, because its intense Innovation Economy has provided it with advantages in almost every area of economic and social life. Because of the need to excel in a knowledge-based world, Ottawa has developed educational systems in its universities, colleges, laboratories, and research institutions that have made it—literally—the most educated city in the world. Smart Community author Richard Florida ranks Ottawa as Canada’s number one city based on the three Ts of economic development: Technology, Talent, and Tolerance. Ottawa leads all cities in Canada in knowledge occupations—that is, occupations characterized by their use of high technology, computing, knowledge intensive processes, and creative activity. More than one in four workers are employed in the knowledge field, and 61 % of the workforce have a post-secondary degree. Factors that are forcing the rise of the smart community movement continue to shape the direction of Ottawa’s growth. This has created an environment where some 2000 highly innovative companies give birth to “offspring,” and have spurred the highest value of Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) of any city in Canada. Cities following Ottawa’s pattern can expect the same high levels of achievement.