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New research provides roadmap for defence innovation and economic growth in rural regions

New research led by Medicine Hat College's (MHC) Centre for Innovation (C4i) provides a roadmap for Southeast Alberta and other rural and semi-urban regions seeking to attract investment, strengthen their workforce and participate in Canada's evolving defence and security landscape.

Funded through the Department of National Defence's Mobilizing Insights in Defence and Security (MINDS) program, the Defence Innovation Hub Nexus project examined how communities can build on existing assets, expertise and partnerships to support future economic growth and innovation.

The resulting Policy Brief and Full Report provide a framework for Southeast Alberta and other regions seeking to build on strengths in areas such as autonomous systems, aerospace, defence and advanced manufacturing while strengthening regional capacity and long-term prosperity.

MHC's C4i has released the Defence Innovation Hub Nexus Policy Brief and Full Report, offering a framework for rural and semi-urban regions seeking to build on existing strengths and support future growth.

Rather than relying solely on academic research, the project drew on input from a broad network of stakeholders. Researchers engaged municipal, provincial and federal representatives, members of the Canadian Armed Forces, defence industry leaders, businesses, manufacturers, economic development organizations and post-secondary institutions.

The project also included a regional stakeholder workshop attended by 49 participants and a national webinar that attracted 289 attendees from across Canada. Together, these activities helped shape recommendations focused on workforce development, investment attraction, regional collaboration and long-term growth.

Ceejay Cruz, a field research assistant with Medicine Hat College's Centre for Innovation (C4i), shares findings from the Defence Innovation Hub Nexus project at the Defence Growth Forum held Oct. 28 in Medicine Hat.

“This project demonstrates the value of applied research as a catalyst for regional collaboration,” said Saatvika (Vika) Rai, research coordinator for C4i. “Through this project, MHC has helped connect industry, government and community partners to explore what makes Southeast Alberta uniquely positioned for growth within the defence sector. This report gives stakeholders a credible, evidence-based resource they can use to inform decisions, support investment attraction efforts and amplify the region's voice when advocating for future partnerships, talent development and strategic investment.”

For MHC, the project highlights the role colleges can play in bringing together diverse partners to examine complex challenges, conduct applied research and support informed decision-making. It also demonstrates how applied research creates opportunities for students and emerging researchers to contribute to projects with real-world impact.

“Working on this project helped bridge academic research and real-world recommendations,” said Ben Mulhall, a graduate research assistant from Simon Fraser University. “I was surprised by the amount of infrastructure, expertise and innovation already present in Southeast Alberta. The region has significant strengths, particularly in areas like drone technology, and I think those assets deserve greater recognition.” 

The Defence Innovation Hub Nexus report was informed by extensive consultation with government, industry, military, economic development and post-secondary stakeholders from across Canada.

The Policy Brief provides a high-level overview of the project's key findings and recommendations, while the Full Report offers a more detailed analysis intended for government, industry, economic development organizations and other stakeholders interested in the region's long-term development potential.

While the research focused on Southeast Alberta, the findings may also provide guidance for other rural and semi-urban regions interested in strengthening innovation, supporting workforce development and building resilient regional economies.