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The Canadian Technology Network -
For greater networking synergy

Among the vast range of organizations devoted to helping companies, the Canadian Technology Network (CTN) stands apart. The CTN was created in 1994 on the recommendation of a committee representing the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal (through its Info entrepreneursservice), the National Research Council of Canada (NRCC), and Industry Canada. This partnership grew out of the Board of Trade's concern and deep conviction that it would be possible to contribute actively to the vitality of Montreal's economy by helping innovative SME's increase inter-firm synergy.

Today, this Board of Trade partnership includes hundreds of members from all horizons - the public sector, private companies, colleges, universities, and research centres - all sharing a common goal: to offer small- and medium-size enterprises access to the specialized resources (particularly financial and technological) they need to innovate.

"The number one success factor of such a collaborative network is a clearly defined objective that is fully shared by all," notes Judith Bergeron, Innovation and Network Advisor, CTN Regional Coordinator, CTN Quebec.

Cooperating - even with competitors
In business, cooperation is the law, and it is the massive use of a group's specialized resources that makes a network dynamic and effective. To join the network, you must first believe in the benefits of cooperation, even among competitors. "There is a widespread belief that if you share what you have, you lose its added value," explains Bergeron. "But people within the network quickly realize they are much more efficient when they share what they know: people that share knowledge are recognized for their competence and those that receive it are better equipped to help clients."

"You join a network primarily to spot the talents of others and learn how they complement yours," she adds. "People worried about competition shouldn't join the CTN. To be comfortable, you've got to be confident in your own added value. Moreover, as our network matures, the issue of competition among our members is fading."

Diversity promotes innovation
Although the people who join networks generally do so as a member of a company or organization, the network is nevertheless composed primarily of individuals. "It is people who incarnate values, not organizations," declares Bergeron. "That's why a network has a much better chance of succeeding if it is made up of natural networkers who develop a strong sense of belonging to a loosely structured organization in a rather informal atmosphere."

She adds that the value of a network is closely linked to the diversity of the individuals composing it. "For an innovation network like ours, diversity is another key to success. It allows the professionals who compose it to gain different perspectives, and that's what stimulates innovation and brings added value."

A "call to all": The power of a network
Of course, an organization like the Canadian Technology Network does not exist for itself but to serve objectives related to enhancing the competitiveness of companies through innovation. According to Bergeron, a network must therefore be turned outward to achieve its full meaning and be truly effective.

There is no better way to illustrate this need than to cite the example of the "call to all" - a tool developed by the CTN demonstrating the full power of a network.

It works this way: any CTN member seeking specific information for one of its clients may send an electronic request to all other network members. They generally receive at least one answer to their question within just a few hours. In fact, according to a recent survey, 90% of requests submitted this way generate satisfactory responses. There are many examples of companies that have been helped by this mechanism to increase productivity, boost sales, or improve customer service.

The Board of Trade's Info entrepreneurs service - two of whose advisors are representatives of the Canadian Technology Network - works closely with the CTN. Their common commitment: to offer small- and medium-sized businesses relevant information about the many government programs and services to make them easily accessible to entrepreneurs.