Microsoft founder Bill Gates is putting his technology-renowned weight behind a pitch for Vancouver and Seattle to work together to become an “innovation hub.”
The richest man in the world joined both B.C. Premier Christy Clark and Washington state Governor Jay Inslee in Vancouver on Tuesday to advance the idea of the Cascadia Innovation Corridor.
Both Clark and Inslee signed an agreement, which was part of the Emerging Cascadia Innovation Corridor Conference, to encourage the establishment of a “results-driven innovation and collaboration” tech corridor that will help grow the high-tech, life sciences, clean technology and data analytics industries across borders.
Opening up the borders for job creation and strengthening the region’s global economic competitiveness was also a key focus.
“Strengthening the existing tech ties between British Columbia and Washington state is a priority for both our governments,” Clark said in a statement.
“By working together, the economic opportunities, job growth and advancements in the sector will place us at the forefront of innovation.”
The conference also allowed for businesses and government leaders to talk about ways to enhance partnerships on both sides of the border.
“You have access to talent across multiple technologies and across multiple industries,” Inslee said.
“So that when you start a company [in Vancouver], you can poach talent maybe from the next university up the I-5 corridor and trade it or swap it – but also across industries.”
In addition to technology, cancer agencies in both Vancouver and Seattle will also be working on a partnership and finding ways to enhance their relationship.
At the conference Inslee and Clark also discussed ways to enhance the shared economic and social ties to Asia.
“I do think this is pivotal because it is such an advantage,” Inslee said. “Geography still does makes a difference, even in an internet world. And our proximity and our cultural ties give us a huge advantage.”
Leaders at the conference also talked about Microsoft Vancouver as an example of strong cross-border partnerships.
Microsoft invested $90 million to open a state-of-the-art facility in downtown Vancouver and it’s expected to have an economic impact of $180 million a year for B.C.
Comments