Lawrence Zhang
Head of Policy, Centre for Canadian Innovation and Competitiveness
Information Technology and Innovation Foundation
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @lawrencezed
Lawrence Zhang is head of policy at ITIF’s Centre for Canadian Innovation and Competitiveness. Previously, he served as an advisor to several Canadian cabinet ministers at both the federal and provincial levels, where he advised on key issues relating to industrial and innovation policy. He holds a Master of Public Policy and an Honours Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from the University of Toronto.
Recent Publications
The Untapped Technological Patent-ial of Canada
Canada is capturing less than half of its technological potential, allowing for groundbreaking research and innovations to sit unused or to be scooped up by foreign companies.
Comments to the Competition Bureau Canada Regarding AI and Competition
The artificial intelligence market in Canada is still in its early stages but is growing rapidly and becoming increasingly competitive. At this juncture, there is no clear evidence of market failure, substantial barriers to entry, or exclusionary practices that would necessitate intervention.
Assessing Canadian Innovation, Productivity, and Competitiveness
Canada faces unprecedented challenges in innovation, productivity, and competitiveness. The first step in addressing them is to develop a clear understanding of the Canadian economy’s underlying structure and performance in each area. Policymakers must then tailor strategies for specific industries and technologies instead of focusing on principally on macro factors.
Canada’s 2024 Federal Budget: The Good, the Bad, and the Maybe for Innovation, Productivity, and Competitiveness
The word “innovation” appears a total of 97 times and “productivity” 63 times in Canada’s 2024 federal budget, and many measures targeted towards innovation and productivity reflect that focus. However, some of the funds being disbursed are tangential at best to actually addressing Canada’s declining productivity and supporting Canada’s innovation ecosystem.
Comments to Canada’s Department of Finance Regarding Scientific Research and Experimental Development Tax Incentives
By changing the tax credit to be quasi-incremental, unifying the rates between small and large businesses, and simplifying the filing process, the government will be able to incentivize private R&D spending more effectively.
Still Buffering: Why Canada’s Online Streaming Act Isn’t a Blockbuster Hit
Instead of promoting and supporting Canadian content, the Online Streaming Act passes costs on to consumers. The government needs to modernize the way it thinks about supporting Canadian content and leverage technological innovation instead of fighting it.
Comments to the Canadian House of Commons Standing Committee on Industry and Technology Regarding the AI and Data Act
If the proposed the proposed Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA) is implemented as is, Canada may not be able to fully realize the economic benefits that AI will bring.
Comments to the Parliament of Canada Regarding Proposed Amendments to Canadian Competition Law
The Canadian government must ensure that policy, legislative and regulatory approaches support competition and innovation as much as possible. Unfortunately, Bills C-56 and C-59 promise to do exactly the opposite.
Recent Events and Presentations
How Can Canadian Policymakers Improve the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act?
Join ITIF’s Centre for Canadian Innovation and Competitiveness for an engaging discussion with leading international experts and peers.
Reviving Canada’s Innovation Economy
Watch now for ITIF's launch event for the Centre for Canadian Innovation and Competitiveness, an Ottawa-based ITIF affiliate focused on tackling these issues. The event featured an expert panel discussion on a new report from the Centre examining the how and why of Canada’s performance on key measures of productivity, innovation, and competitiveness.