This report builds on ICTC’s previous Digital Talent Outlook reports, the most recent released in fall 2019 and summer 2020. It includes an analysis of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Canada’s economy and an assessment of the economic outlook going forward. This macroeconomic outlook is supplemented by an analysis of key trends in consumer behaviour and primary research on digitization that have been expedited by the pandemic. A survey of 400 businesses in Canada’s digital economy and in-depth key informant interviews with industry leaders form the basis for discussions on the pandemic’s implications for Canada’s digital economy and six key innovation areas: cleantech, clean resources, health and biotech, advanced manufacturing, agri-foods and food tech, and interactive digital media. Building on these insights, this report also provides updated employment forecasts for the Canadian digital economy and the six innovation areas to 2025.
