Québec is one of North America's leading high-tech hubs. The province boasts hundreds of businesses that are active in every sector of the information and communications technology (ICT) industry, as well as a large pool of highly skilled workers. In fact, the agglomeration of Montréal has more engineering firms and engineers than any other city in Canada.
Aware of the importance of innovation, Québec devotes considerable resources to ICT by fostering the provision of higher education, the operations of numerous R&D centres and the creation of networks of excellence. In addition to its seven universities, Québec has a number of specialized research centres-such as CRIM, CEFRIO, Prompt and CANARIE-which contribute to the development of innovative solutions and the transfer of knowledge. The province's efforts to encourage innovation have proven highly successful, as ICT firms here invest close to $1 billion in R&D each year.
Businesses that locate in Québec enjoy very low operating costs. Corporate tax rates are among the lowest in North America. Thanks to the R&D tax incentives offered, a $100 expenditure can end up costing as little as $37. There are also numerous programs available to facilitate the financing of businesses and the hiring of foreign researchers.
A large number of the world's biggest ICT companies have set up operations in Québec, including CGI Group, Ericsson, IBM and DMR-Fujitsu. But the pool of sector companies is much more extensive, encompassing a total of 7,300 businesses that employ more than 145,000 people and are active worldwide. A full 90% of the ICT products manufactured in Québec are exported, and 60% go to one of the world's most demanding markets-the United States. That figure reflects the vitality and expertise of Québec's ICT businesses.
"Right from the start, Québec impressed us with the quality of its multilingual, highly educated workforce. In a fiercely competitive and innovative industry like ours, recruiting top talent is the key to success. Here in Québec, we are able to recruit software developers and creative, resourceful managers who are a perfect match for our needs, along with programmer analysts, project architects and leaders who can help us improve our business processes and consolidate our technological leadership position." - Maria Codipietro, General Manager, SAP Labs Canada, 2009
Growing your company? Expand your horizons in Québec!
Last update: June 2010 |
