The case study on the entrepreneurial ecosystem of the Outaouais region highlights the economic challenges and opportunities of the city of Gatineau and, more broadly, the Outaouais region, emphasizing the importance of innovation for local businesses. Stakeholders, including Isabelle Veilleux, Director of Economic Development for the City of Gatineau, and Geneviève Ouimet, Director of the regional acceleration and growth space Espace-O, underscore that businesses must innovate to survive in a competitive and ever-evolving environment. Proximity to Ottawa and Ontario offers unique opportunities, particularly in the public sector, but there is also a desire for economic diversification into other sectors such as retail, construction, and agri-food. Collaboration among different economic actors is encouraged to stimulate entrepreneurial development and attract investments. The pandemic has also prompted a rethinking of business models and an acceleration of digital transformation. Finally, we learn about the lessons and opportunities associated with the Outaouais region's application to create a Cybersecurity Innovation Zone.
Produced in 2024. Filmed in 2023 in the City of Gatineau and at the Université du Québec en Outaouais, in Gatineau, Quebec. Participants: Isabelle Veilleux, Director of the Economic Development Office of the City of Gatineau, and Geneviève Ouimet, Director of the acceleration and regional growth space Espace-O. Executive Producers: Dr. Hamid Etemad, McGill University, Hamed Motaghi, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Reda Bensouda, Université du Québec en Outaouais. Producer and animation: Thierry Harris, Cartouche Media. Creative Director: Mélissa Gendron, Cartouche Media.