ABSTRACT
Although the circumpolar world is known more for its natural landscapes and resource development projects than for “new economy” initiatives, government and business leaders throughout the region continue to urge the creation of an innovation sector in the Far North. There are obvious needs for innovation in areas as diverse as food supply and energy, health care delivery, and the operation of northern mining sites. But few circumpolar communities have what are believed to be the core requirements for the successful and sustainable commercialization of technology: advanced research facilities, a highly skilled workforce, access to investment capital, supportive consumer markets, and robust government support and infrastructure systems. This chapter suggests a circumpolar-wide innovation and commercial collaboration is required if the region hopes to overcome the formidable barriers that stand in the way of global competitiveness.
