Here are some conclusions to topics we discussed yesterday and these all relate to the fractured industry representation:

• Gov’t likes to divide and conquer, to then better manage each sector.
• Individually, each association represents too few members of an  industry to make gov’t listen, but together they would make a powerful  voice for lobbying.
• We’ve got 3 different associations representing knowledge economy sector jobs for a population under 1 million.
• Industry associations may be afraid of biting the hand that feeds them.

So after a productive series of meetings and giving the future of ITANS some thought, well actually I don’t see a future for ITANS any more. I think a single voice representing the  knowledge economy in Nova Scotia is the way to go. Bring together the likes of ITANS, Nova Knowledge and BioNova and have an organization that can lead, lobby and succeed! Separately some of these organizations are too small and lack the resources to do much. Some are so intertwined with the government that they are no longer effective or able to meet their own mandates. If we bring them under one roof, Together they can lead and get results.

This is just a thought and one I hope gains traction. For us to succeed we need to work together. We need an industry voice the government will respect, a voice that will get action instead of inaction.

What are your thoughts?

Where do I start? I have so much on the go and really not a lot at the same time. I guess I’ll start with addressing some comments I received recently regarding my blog. I’ve been told I need to be more positive, that I only address negative issues and it really isn’t good. Well… to answer that, oh well. I’m not here to give anyone false hopes or promises, or to mislead. I choose topics that annoy, entertain or are of interest to me. I blog about things people tell me, stuff I hear and what I read or see. So that is all on that subject.

On to things more interesting; We have launched the TechOpen website! This is set to be one of the best events going in this region this year! Great speakers, great venue and global participation. We are bringing in speakers like Chris Brogan, Mitch Joel and the CBC’s Jesse Brown. Day one will kick off with a great forum that looks like it will spark discussion, debate and action. Day two is rounded well with workshops presented by leading organizations from around Atlantic Canada. This is a must attend event so book now at the TechOpen website.

On the business side of things we have run into some delays with the public beta release of MediaBadger. Some issues presented themselves during our testing and we are working to sort them out. We are hoping to do the beta launch before August 2008.

Also in business I have been doing some system upgrades on TechEast to improve the stability and in preparation for the launch of some social media components. We are working to improve the users experience on the site and develop a well rounded location for Atlantic Technology companies collaborate, share and learn.

Something else I’m involved in is ITANS and while I have followed this organization closely for a number of years and have my own thoughts on the organization. What I’d like to know is: What do you think, what you’d like to see done and how can they improve? Email me and let me know what your thoughts are on ITANS (I won’t be publishing or sharing peoples emails).

Lastly on a personal note i will be in Toronto in August getting sworn in as a British Citizen. I will now hold dual citizenship and I am excited. If your in Toronto and want to meet up email me!