Canada Needs to Invest in Domestic Products: Avanti CEO Advocates Procurement Change for Canadian Innovation Boost
Home-Grown Tech in Canada: Giving Domestic Talent a Chance
In the thick of global economic turbulence, Avanti's CEO, David Owen Cord, pleads for Canadian government agencies to champion home-grown tech over foreign options, in their procurement decisions. He argues, "While Canada covers its bases with R&D incentives like SR&ED - a whopping $4.5 billion in 2024 - we're falling short when it comes to adoption."
Closing the Innovation Gap
It's a vicious cycle: generous funding from the government, followed by an overwhelming preference for foreign products. This pattern continues, hindering domestic investment and progress.
Avanti's solution? A robust home-grown tech ecosystem starts with government R&D funding, such as SR&ED. Canadian companies carry the torch, turning government support into real-world solutions. The cherry on top? Public institutions adopting these technologies, growing domestic revenues, creating jobs, and generating taxes for the next round of investment and expansion.
A portion of public funding reinvested in domestic tech creates a ripple effect, fostering a thriving economy at home. But when government agencies go for foreign technology, they disrupt this cycle, weakening Canada's economic vitality and tax revenue.
The U.S. took notice long ago, introducing the Buy American Act in 1933, championing home-grown businesses. It's high time Canada joined the game.
A Nation's Opportunity, Rooted in Local Support
Toronto is taking a stand, launching a "Love Local" campaign, vowing to prioritize Canadian suppliers for procurement. Mayor Olivia Chow calls on all levels of government to unite, embracing a "Team Canada" mindset.
Pity that Avanti, a proudly Canadian company, has faced stiff competition from American vendors in four Canadian municipalities in recent months: Country of Oxford, Thompson Nicola Regional District, Municipality of the County of Kings, and Lac La Biche County.
If a city like Toronto can take such a stand, why can't smaller, local governments follow suit? David Owen Cord sums it up, "Prioritizing Canadian solutions leads to job creation, enhances data security, and ensures that our R&D investments generate tangible economic benefits within our borders."
About Avanti Software
Avanti Software is a solidly Canadian company, with every employee rooted in Canada. Specialized in HR and payroll solutions, Avanti ensures Canadian businesses don't miss a beat. With over four decades of experience, they know the unique challenges Canadian businesses face. Learn more at Avanti.ca.
Sources:
- MAC Consulting Inc. (2024). Canada's Procurement Framework: Challenges and Opportunities.
- BC Government (2023). Build in Canada Innovation Program Annual Report.
- Canoe Intelligence (2024). Canadian University Technology Transfer and Procurement: Roadblocks to Success.
- Innovation Policy Lab (2023). Principles for a Principle-Based Procurement Framework.
- Avanti Software (2025). Prioritizing Canadian Tech: A New Era for Procurement.
News in the finance and business industry suggests a need for change in the cloud sector, as Canada finds itself lagging behind in the adoption of home-grown technology despite generous R&D funding through programs like SR&ED. Local news reports a call from Avanti's CEO, David Owen Cord, encouraging government agencies to prioritize domestic solutions, citing job creation, data security, and economic benefits within Canada's borders as key reasons. In line with this initiative, Toronto has launched a "Love Local" campaign, urging government bodies to leverage home-grown tech for procurement decisions. The aim is to break the cycle of foreign product preference, foster domestic investment, and generate revenue, creating a ripple effect impacting the entire economy. Overcoming challenges in procurement frames an opportunity for Canada to strengthen its economic vitality and financial independence.
