About

More than ever, innovation is the most important engine of growth and jobs in knowledge-based economies such as Canada and Germany.  Fresh ideas and technologies power enterprises and create entirely new industries. Innovation and economic success have become inextricably linked and mutually interdependent.

Innovation is also fundamental to creating a sustainable economy. Only an innovation-based green economy, preserving the environment for our and future generations, will allow our societies to prosper.  Innovation-Germany.ca strives to heighten interest in the latest, cutting-edge ideas and technologies. Moreover, we aim at facilitating a spirit of collaboration between leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers, students and the public on both sides of the Atlantic. Often it has not been a solitary genius, but rather a combined effort that has lead to the world's most innovative ideas and technologies.

This spirit of collaboration has been instrumental in launching the project Innovation-Germany.ca. We offer our most sincere thanks to our partners: The German Consulates General in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver; the Goethe-Institutes in Canada; the Canadian German Chamber of Industry and Commerce; and Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.

Last but not least, innovation plays a role all too often overlooked: It fuels the arts and enriches our cultural life. “The definition of art has to shift whenever an innovator appears“ (Thomas Hoving, Met New York). Innovation and art go hand in hand. I am sure that the cultural events that are part of Innovation-Germany.ca will inspire and delight you.

We look forward to welcoming you to our website and to our events.

Dr. Georg Witschel
Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany in Canada

Dear Visitor,

Welcome to the website INNOVATION-GERMANY.CA, dedicated to a number of fascinating events on innovation and Germany.

Trade and investment are essential pillars of Canada's and Germany's close partnership. The G8 and G20 summits under the leadership of Canada further support the importance of this partnership.

The total volume of Canadian direct investment in Germany was 6.3 billion euros in 2008. Germany's direct investment in Canada during the same year amounted to 5.6 billion euros. Germany is Canada's largest trading partner in the EU. However, in spite of the excellent economic and trade relations between our two countries, there is still room for growth. Canada and the EU are now in active negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which offers significant potential in further promoting Canadian-German investment and trade. German companies stand to profit greatly from CETA, and the same is true for Canadian businesses.

Innovation is the driving force behind the success of Germany's economy. A creative approach and a spirit of ingenuity are essential to the country's competitiveness and to its future leadership in technological development.

The event series INNOVATION-GERMANY.CA offers the opportunity to experience a multifaceted Germany. In addition, it provides for an interactive forum and allows for the creation of new contacts. The internet site is designed to offer a wealth of information.

I wish the initiative INNOVATION-GERMANY.CA all the best and hope the events will be both enjoyable and rewarding.

Yours,

Prof. Dr. Ing. Hans-Peter Keitel

Chairman
Federation of German Industries (BDI)