We are the foremost independent, applied research organization in Canada. We deliver unique insights into Canada’s toughest problems.

Latest Research

a person typing on phone
Technology, Talent, and the Future Workplace: Canadian CIO Outlook 2021

Technology proved vital in helping businesses adapt to the COVID-19 crisis. Information technology (IT) infrastructure and collaboration tools were essential to help employees work together and engage with customers in the new virtual paradigm. Organizations need to determine how the bold actions taken to survive the pandemic fit into future operational strategies, rather than adopting a business-as-usual attitude.

Issue briefing  |  13-min read
December 7, 2021
Focus Area—Innovation & Technology

a nurse working
Cyber and Privacy Review 2021: How the Pandemic Changed Our Tech Use

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about rapid changes to the workplace. Leadership needed to be agile in responding to remote work and new security challenges, both on and offline. With many more people working remotely during the pandemic, organizations suddenly faced cybersecurity challenges and privacy concerns associated with a decentralized workforce and rapid technology adoption.

Impact paper  |  17-min read
December 7, 2021
Focus Area—Innovation & Technology

people looking at computer
Canadian Human Resources Metrics Benchmarking

Build and refine your Human Resources (HR) practices for managing your teams. Understand the current business environment, and know what’s changing. Our data from across Canadian industries and regions will help you see where you excel and where you can grow.

Online experience  |  8-min read
December 3, 2021
Focus Area—Human Resources

man in the dark
Measuring Digital Trade

The digital economy is growing. Thanks to technological advancements in international trade, businesses and consumers have increasingly turned online for purchases, and the demand for digital services—has gone up. There is widespread agreement that digital trade’s contribution to the Canadian economy is increasing, and that international trade is growing. But classifying and measuring the opportunities and challenges of digital trade is difficult.

Online experience  |  8-min read
December 1, 2021
Focus Area—Canadian Economics

Focus Areas

Group of women working on a computer; looking up at skyscrapers

Future Skills Centre Research

Two female students building a machine
Future Skills Summit

Our nation’s labour market is undergoing massive change. It’s being shaped by effects from the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as unprecedented demographic shifts, economic changes and technological advances. To navigate these disruptions and foster the future prosperity of Canada, we must support the lifelong skills development of our workforce.

Summit  |  Virtual
February 22–24, 2022
Client—Future Skills Centre

Boy fixing equipment
Saskatchewan’s Forest Sector: Future Skills for an Indigenous-Led Revitalization

The Canadian forest sector is facing a challenge to attract, train, and retain workers. In this boom-and-bust industry, forestry companies must increase efficiency in order to remain competitive when the market is weak while also responding to growing demand for sustainable practices and high-value wood products. Indigenous forestry businesses are no strangers to this dilemma.

Case study  |  25-min read
November 30, 2021
Focus Area—Indigenous & Northern Communities
Client—Future Skills Centre

Two men working in a mine
Skills Development in Northern Mining Regions

For many northern Indigenous communities, mineral exploration properties and active mines are the closest employers. Mining is big business in northern Manitoba. The industry has been a strong source of employment for Indigenous workers, with accessible entry-level positions and opportunities to learn on the job. While the benefits of short-term job training are attractive, Indigenous communities are having to make complicated decisions about economic development that have long-term implications.

Case study  |  15-min read
November 4, 2021
Focus Area—Indigenous & Northern Communities
Client—Future Skills Centre

View all FSC research