Knowledge economy to drive York Region of mid-21st century

yorkregion.com
By Tim Kelly
March 16, 2017

It will be all about the knowledge economy by the mid-21st century for York Region businesses.

So says Vision 2051, a Region of York blueprint that looks toward the middle of the coming century and tries to plot where we'll be by that point economically.

Three fundamental pillars to build on for innovation include energy, water and waste, said the document.

Vision 2051, which was published several years ago by the region, hopes that by 2051 York will be a "global hub for innovation, will attract global investment, attract business from a broad array of sectors, promote the creation of eco-business and employment areas," and "support arts and cultural industries."

Combined with the construction of a large York University campus in Markham and other institutes of higher learning like Seneca College's expanded King campus, Vision 2051 also will tap into "developing knowledge resources including research and academic institutions."

The region will also pursue a national scale innovation research institution to build on the knowledge economy foundation and encourage "sustainability principles in business operations."

Additionally, it says it will "invest in innovation, education and training of entrepreneurs and the development of innovation incubators."

Another key aspect of Vision 2051 is "developing a creative and skilled workforce" to work in the knowledge economy of the future.

To do this requires a focus on "continuous education, training and skills development to ensure a labour force that is flexible, adaptable and resilient to economic and labour needs changes," according to Vision 2051.

There will also be a push to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in York Region within the labour force with an encouragement on business education and entrepreneurial skills in early education.

To support a working population, the region will also have to recognize the importance of "quality and affordable child and elder care options," said Vision 2051.

There will also be need to support the efficient movement of people and goods throughout the region and surrounding areas and a need to encourage the "use of sustainability principles in business operations."