If an economic recovery is indeed on the horizon, a strong technology industry could help Canada lead the charge, according to a worldwide study on the impact of the technology industry on the economy.
The study, conducted by
IDC around the world and commissioned by
Microsoft, found that IT spending in Canada this year will be more than $39 billion, and is expected to grow at 1.9 per cent per year through 2013, outstripping expected GDP growth of just under one per cent.
The study also suggests that through 2013, IT will bring 84,000 new jobs to the Canadian market, and some 1,000 new businesses.
Eric Gales, president of
Microsoft Canada, said that it’s important to note that while those numbers represent growth in Canada, that is not the case worldwide. And, indeed, if Canada is slated to recovery quicker than many of its peers, it could quickly prove a key differentiator for Canadian businesses.
“We have a really unique opportunity to benefit from this economic reset,” Gales said. “We’ll see IT spending grow from now until 201, while other markets are still expecting things to be slow for a while longer. We don’t want to miss that opportunity.”
The study also focuses on the impact of the Microsoft partner community in general, noting that for every dollar Microsoft generates in Canada, its partners generate $8.43, and that Canadian partners are on track to bring in $13.5 billion in revenues this year, while putting $4.5 billion into development, marketing, training and sales.
