Market Opportunities in Advanced Manufacturing

Introduction

• Discussion Topic: Market opportunities, new business opportunities for companies in advanced manufacturing.
• Significance: Critical given current global disruptions (pandemic, supply chain, war in Ukraine).
• Reference Term: VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous).

Emerging Opportunities

• Suppliers stepping into new business areas, exporting innovative products/services.
• Special mentions:
  • EDC (Export Development Canada): Provides risk insurance, financial services for exporters.
  • Mike Brown, Commercial Account Director at EDC.

Highlights from Panelists

1. Kurt de Vries: Canada's Trade Commissioner in the automotive sector

   • Electrification, AI-based technologies, autonomous, etc.
   • Support from trade commissioners.

2. Luigi Indecelio: R&D Manager at Axiom Group

   • Innovations in electric vehicles (EV), industry 4.0, robotics, AI, nanomaterials, 3D printing.

3. Barry Hunt: President and CEO of Prescient X, and Canadian Association of PPE Manufacturers

   • Growth in medical devices and PPE market
   • Innovations in disinfecting robots, manufacturing processes for PPE.

Key Discussion Points

New Growth Markets for Canadian Manufacturers

• Electric Vehicles (EV): Significance, regulatory demands in Europe, North America, Asia.
• Industry 4.0: Data-driven, AI-based tech driving efficiency.
• Nanomaterials and 3D Printing: Innovation potential, cost-effectiveness.
• Robotics: More likely to enhance production, quality.

Steps to Enter New Markets

• Risk Mitigation: Regulatory knowledge, prototyping, spread R&D costs.
• Collaboration: Partnerships, leveraging federal programs (e.g., CanExport).
• Market Entry: Anticipating higher costs and time, understanding procurement pathways.

Risks in New Markets

• Insurance: Importance of risk insurance and understanding credit risk (e.g., different GM subsidiaries).
• Underpreparation: Not knowing the regulatory environment, supply chain constraints.
• Partnering Early: Developing relationships with banks, professional services, and advisors.

Recommendations and Considerations

• Sectors: Focus on clean/green technologies, carbon offsets for global competitiveness.
• Medtech sector: Growth potential but has complex procurement/compliance requirements.
• Export Tools: Leveraging resources from government and economic development agencies.

Q&A Highlights

• Inter-Provincial Trade Barriers: Sector-specific constraints (e.g., food regulations, support/service for heavy equipment).
• Hydrogen as Future Energy: Opportunities in different transportation forms, green hydrogen for manufacturing sectors (steel, cement).
• Medtech Opportunities: Regulatory and procurement challenges, especially post-pandemic innovations.

Contacts and Resources

• Trade Commissioner Service (TCS): Kurt de Vries
• Export Development Canada (EDC): Mike Brown, EDC website for resources and country guides.
• Industry Associations and Programs: NGEN, provincial and national chambers of commerce, CanExport, NRC-IRAP.

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Final Thoughts

• Emphasis on leveraging collaboration, being informed about regulatory environments, and fostering relationships.
• Engage with industry peers, federal programs, and advisors for navigating new markets.