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Accelerate Okanagan Study Shows Okanagan Tech Sector is a $1 Billion Industry
Monday, January 12, 2015Company Profile | Follow Company
Vancouver, BC, January 12, 2015--(T-Net)--Accelerate Okanagan announced last week the results of its Economic Impact Report assessing the Okanagan technology sector.
The study was commissioned by Accelerate Okanagan and conducted by a third party in conjunction with Victoria-based VIATeC.
The Okanagan tech industry contributed $1.02 billion to the local economy in 2013, according to the study.
This includes a direct impact of $797 million in revenues generated by tech companies as well as an indirect impact of $223 million created by businesses that supply inputs to the technology sector.
Accelerate Okanagan CEO, Pilar Portela, says that the study clearly shows why the Okanagan is one of the best places in Canada to start or invest in a tech business.
"Startups and tech companies in the Okanagan have great access to vital resources. With over 6,500 highly skilled tech workers, an international airport that offers non-stop flights to 64 destinations, and easy access to vital business support programs and services, the Okanagan is a thriving entrepreneurial community that offers everything today's startups need for success."
Tech Industry a Major Source of Employment
The growth of the tech industry in the Okanagan is creating thousands of jobs for the many highly skilled people who move to the area to enjoy the Okanagan lifestyle, according to the Association.
According to the survey, the Okanagan Valley is now home to 558 technology businesses with a collective workforce of 6,551 employees.
The average business has ten employees (eight full-time and two part-time) and works with two independent contractors. It is estimated that there are 1,920 self-employed technology workers in the Okanagan.
Tech Sector Workforce Demographics: Employees Are Younger; More Women Entering Tech
Technology employees also tend to be slightly younger than local employees in other industries, although all age groups are represented in the industry. 38% of the Okanagan tech sector employees are under the age of 35.
Although historically the tech industry has been a mostly male-occupied sector, this trend is changing. The study shows that one quarter of local tech employees are women. Based on local initiatives highlighting Women in Tech, Accelerate Okanagan stated that it is optimistic that this percentage will increase over the next few years.
Overall, the Okanagan tech sector is diverse, growing and makes a significant contribution to the local economy, according to the Association.
Note: The study has a margin of error of 9.1% and is accurate 19 times out of 20. The full 22-page report is available here.
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