INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY NETWORK (ICTN)
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre will deliver enhanced Information and Communication Technology (ICT) programs and services in Sault Ste. Marie and the Algoma region. As one of the five (5) ICT Networks in Northern Ontario, our purpose is to help businesses innovate and adopt new technologies, making them more productive and competitive in today’s global economy.
While we know that technology is a precursor to growth, it is also common knowledge that the lack of basic infrastructure, such as broadband, poses as a significant barrier to economic growth. Another common obstacle is the high costs associated with technology adoption, including green technologies. More specifically, these costs include the purchase of the technology itself, retrofitting it into current operations as well as augmenting the competencies of existing staff in the areas of repair, recycle and re-purpose. As a result of these costs, compounded with a lack of awareness in new technologies, many businesses and communities, particularly those in rural settings, do not consider technology adoption as a viable option. The ICT Networks in Northern Ontario continue to work with employers to encourage the adoption of more technology driven methods while developing talent to meet the regions’ future needs.
who we help
The ICTN assists small and medium sized enterprises (SME's) in Sault Ste Marie and the Algoma Region
PROGRAM APPLICATION
The SSMIC ICTN has adopted a strategy that includes Three (3) Pillars: Adopt Technology, Develop Talent and Improve Broadband.
Proudly sponsored by:
HELPING BUILD AND GROW BUSINESSES
THREE pillars OF ICTN
ADOPT TECHNOLOGY
In order to raise awareness of new technologies and their applicability to SMEs in our region, the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre's ICTN seeks to assess & deliver relevant new technology workshops that can assist SMEs in Sault Ste Marie and the Algoma region to maintain and scale their products and services for current and future markets.
DEVELOP TALENT
As our local businesses evolve and adopt new technologies, it is our goal that we simultaneously develop our local talent in order to meet the goals of technology adoption across our region. The Sault Ste. Marie ICTN creates and delivers programs to develop local technology talent that meets the current and future needs of our local and national employers.
IMPROVE BROADBAND
As a result of the lack of basic broadband services in the rural areas of Algoma, the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre's ICTN seeks to assist these municipalities to overcome this significant barrier to economic growth. Assistance typically comes in the form of facilitating provincial and federal funding applications, developing partnerships and relationships with local ISPs and providing guidance to municipalities in developing their Broadband Strategy.
