Northern forum targets future growth

He says the October 23 forum will provide an opportunity for organizations and communities to come together before many of those projects move ahead, allowing participants to identify challenges, share expertise and build stronger networks.

Camp believes universities have an important role to play in that process. Beyond educating students, institutions such as UNBC can serve as trusted gathering places where research, innovation and collaboration intersect.

“We are a trusted third party that’s in a position to be neutral, just base contributions to economic development on the research that says what’s working and what doesn’t work,” he said.

According to Camp, one of the greatest benefits of events like the Economic Development Forum is the opportunity to connect multiple organizations and perspectives at the same time. Rather than relying solely on individual partnerships, larger forums can generate broader discussions and new ideas.

“Through this network you’re able to bring together disparate groups simultaneously, rather than just one and one and one relationships,” said Camp.

He also remains optimistic about the future of Northern B.C., pointing to the people living and working throughout the region as one of its greatest strengths.

“We have people that are really dedicated to building a stronger, more sustainable north,” he said.

Innovation will also be a major theme during the event. Northern Innovation Network Executive Director Mary Mytting says Northern communities are already proving that innovation can thrive far from major urban centres.

She believes residents across the region have developed a strong culture of creativity and problem-solving through necessity.

“I think northerners are innovators. I think we’ve had to bend because we deal with harsher environment. And we innovate. We quietly go about our business and do what needs to be done and fix problems through innovation,” said Mytting.

While access to capital and resources can sometimes present challenges, Mytting argues one of the biggest barriers facing entrepreneurs is perception.

“We have to actually give ourselves credit that we’re as smart as anybody else on the planet, including in urban centers,” she said.

She points to examples of Northern businesses developing solutions to local problems and then transforming those solutions into successful commercial ventures that create jobs and economic opportunities.

Mytting says entrepreneurs and innovators need to recognize that being located in the North does not prevent them from competing in larger markets.

“I think we need to take off that mindset of we can’t participate in a larger economy nationally and internationally,” she said.

The upcoming forum on October 23 aims to build on that vision by creating a space where ideas, expertise and partnerships can come together. Organizers hope the discussions sparked during the event will help drive economic development, innovation and long-term prosperity throughout Northern British Columbia.

For more information and to purchase tickets for the UNBC Economic Development Forum, visit:

UNBC Economic Development Forum Tickets

by Nick Dube

Northern forum targets future growth

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