Economic Transformation Lab
Through research and investigation, we’re uncovering what it takes to future-proof Vancouver’s economy
Our Mission
The Economic Transformation Lab (ETL) is a research program developed by the Vancouver Economic Commission (VEC) to prepare Vancouver’s economy for global trends anticipated to impact the region within the next 15 years. By leveraging academic and industry collaborations, the ETL aims to produce research that results in actionable goals, best practices, and insights that inform policy advocacy or programs to help future-proof Vancouver.
We are pleased to have been supported by Beedie School of Business at Simon Fraser University (SFU) for our inaugural studies, and also acknowledge Mitacs and their Accelerate and Elevate programs for securing additional resources to conduct the research.
Research Partners
What is considered transformative?
These are some of the criteria we use to select and design our projects
Global Drivers
The project involves key global shifts likely to impact Vancouver’s economy within the next 15 years
Future-Proofing
The project relates to building a more resilient Vancouver economy
Actionable Goals
The project informs initiatives that the VEC or its partners could undertake for the benefit of the future economy
Completed and Upcoming Projects
The Economic Transformation Lab is delivering insightful research on key topics
Circular Food Innovation Lab (CFIL)
Research with City of Vancouver, Emily Carr University of Art + Design, and Mitacs
CFIL is a collaboration between municipal government, academia and local businesses to develop and test solutions that will eliminate avoidable food waste across Vancouver’s food supply chain. The approach, different solutions, and respective findings are detailed in the project report and landing page.
Advanced Air Mobility Cluster Analysis
Research with the University of British Columbia (UBC), Mitacs and Canadian Advanced Air Mobility Consortium (CAAM)
The project consists of a business cluster and opportunity analysis for advanced air mobility (AAM) in Vancouver and the Cascadia Corridor, to understand the strengths of Vancouver’s existing AAM cluster, identify any gaps and highlight potential opportunities.
Beyond GDP
Research with McGill University and Mitacs
This project identifies supplementary measures to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to indicate Vancouver’s economic prosperity and quality of life. The goal is to promote a more holistic view of measuring Vancouver’s economic success, since GDP only represents certain aspects of the economy.
Circular Economy of Food
Research with Simon Fraser University (SFU) and Mitacs
The study aims to identify gaps in Vancouver’s current food system that allow food to be wasted and will explore innovative solutions for a circular food economy centered on justice, equity and the right to food.
Remote Work, COVID-19, and Downtown Vancouver
Research with SFU Beedie School of Business and Mitacs
A comprehensive research report that describes the tangible impacts of remote work to economic activity in Vancouver’s Central Business District.
Learn more about Vancouver Economic Commission’s research and programming
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How to engage, contribute, and participate
There are numerous ways to support this important work. We welcome academic institutions or industry to engage with or participate in our research.
Become a Research Partner
Contact our team to find out more about becoming a research partner. With your support we can deliver more projects.
Suggest a topic for research
Have an interesting research idea that may lead to transformative change in our economy? Let us know!