Knowledge mobilization is the foundation for building the multi-disciplinary thinking and the cross-functional workforce that Canada needs to remain competitive in a dynamic and knowledge-driven global economy. VSIR has identified four action-oriented principles that entry-level knowledge practitioners should prioritize to enhance their value proposition in this high-impact economic sector.

Two powerful countries will dominate Canada’s near-term future: The United States and the People’s Republic of China. The strategic decisions Canada makes regarding China in the next few years will have consequential outcomes for decades. This includes trade, bilateral economic relations, and much more.

Achieving sustainable livelihood development that respects local environmental constraints poses a multi-generational challenge for India. Using alternative development models, it may be possible to transform a vicious cycle of environmental degradation and human insecurity into a virtuous cycle of knowledge exchange and inclusive growth.

Cross-border migration flows continue to rise internationally. This intensifies inter-cultural relations, accelerates peer-to-peer engagements, and opens new pathways for knowledge creation.

Security competition between India and Pakistan stretches the limits of global security-enhancing credentials. The tactical and strategic nuclear ambitions of both countries is driven by a perceived vulnerability that is rooted in history and which limit near-term options for a viable solution.

Rapid technological growth is forcing a profound rethink of our economic, social, political, and physical infrastructures. These structural changes will soon require the adoption of new cognitive and behavioral capabilities, many of which are still unknown.

The global sustainability challenge is formidable, but not hopeless. In fact, there are multiple pathways to global sustainability which encompass open innovation and discovery-driven learning in strategic sectors.

The digital transformation of the workplace and the structural configuration of the Canadian federal bureaucracy is no longer a futuristic fantasy. A redefined government-citizenship relationship has never looked so promising.

Canada’s international reputation for welcoming and integrating newcomers is unparalleled. But ensuring that Canada remains a preferred migration destination will require risk-taking, foresight, and creative thinking.

Vancouver faces a historic opportunity to become a global knowledge and innovation hub sustained through place-based research partnerships, knowledge brokering, work-integrated-learning programs, as well as hybrid venture creations in the arts and cultural sectors.