Ontario in the Creative Age
A dissection of the report by
Roger Martin and Richard Florida on economic prosperity
Satoshi Takano & Melanie Ta - Transform Ontario Institute

This is
Roger Martin…

This is
Roger Martin…

This is and this is
Roger Martin… Richard Florida.

This is and this is
Roger Martin… Richard Florida.

Together…

Together…
They presented the results of a study to
Premier McGuinty

The Premier asked them to
do 3 things.

1. Undertake a study of
the changing composition
of Ontario’s economy and
workforce.

1. Undertake a study of
the changing composition
of Ontario’s economy and
workforce.
2. Examine historical
changes and projected
future trends affecting
Ontario.

3. Provide recommendations to the Province
1. Undertake a study of
onchanging composition economy and
how to ensure Ontario’s
the
people remain globally competitive and
of Ontario’s economy and
prosperous.
workforce.
2. Examine historical
changes and projected
future trends affecting
Ontario.

Long Story Short…

“Ontario is well-positioned to
compete and prosper in this
ongoing global economic
transformation.”

“We must transform from a
routine-oriented to a
creative-oriented economy.”

Creative-oriented
economy?

Relax…
Let me explain.

Routine-Oriented is defined as...

Routine-Oriented is defined as...
Repetitive tasks
with a set of
operating
procedures.

Routine-Oriented is defined as...
Repetitive tasks In essence, it’s
with a set of an algebraic
operating formula with an
procedures. answer.

Routine-Oriented is defined as...
Repetitive tasks In essence, it’s
with a set of an algebraic
operating formula with an
procedures. answer.
Can be outsourced, out-tasked, replicated &
automated – by anyone.

While Creative-Oriented is about
having…
Analytical Skills

While Creative-Oriented is about
having…
Analytical Skills
• Recognizing patterns
and solving problems

While Creative-Oriented is about
having…
Analytical Skills
• Recognizing patterns
and solving problems
• Determine how
systems work, and
change conditions to
modify the outcome

While Creative-Oriented is about
having…
Analytical Skills Social Intelligence Skills
• Recognizing patterns
and solving problems
• Determine how
systems work, and
change conditions to
modify the outcome

While Creative-Oriented is about
having…
Analytical Skills Social Intelligence Skills
• Collaborate with others
• Recognizing patterns
and solving problems
• Determine how
systems work, and
change conditions to
modify the outcome

While Creative-Oriented is about
having…
Analytical Skills Social Intelligence Skills
• Collaborate with others
• Recognizing patterns
and solving problems
• Uses fluid, deductive
• Determine how reasoning to produce
better answers
systems work, and
change conditions to
modify the outcome

While Creative-Oriented is about
having…
Analytical Skills Social Intelligence Skills
• Collaborate with others
• Recognizing patterns
and solving problems
• Uses fluid, deductive
• Determine how reasoning to produce
better answers
systems work, and
change conditions to
• Oral and writing skills
modify the outcome

While Creative-Oriented is about
having…
Can’t be outsourced, Social Intelligence Skills
out-tasked,
Analytical Skills
replicated or automated with others
• Collaborate
• Recognizing patterns
and solving problems by anyone.
– • Uses fluid, deductive
• Determine how reasoning to produce
better answers
systems work, and
change conditions to
• Oral and writing skills
modify the outcome

So, Creativity.
What do we need to do?

Keys to Unlocking
Creativity

Keys to Unlocking
Creativity
Vision
Mission
4-Way Strategy

Keys to Unlocking Adapt and Thrive in the
Creative Economy
Creativity
Vision
Mission
4-Way Strategy

Keys to Unlocking Adapt and Thrive in the
Creative Economy
Creativity
Vision
Half of the workforce to
have high-paying, high-
value jobs by 2030
Mission
4-Way Strategy

Keys to Unlocking Adapt and Thrive in the
Creative Economy
Creativity
Vision
Half of the workforce to
have high-paying, high-
value jobs by 2030
Mission
Harness the creative
potentials of Ontarians
4-Way Strategy

Keys to Unlocking Adapt and Thrive in the
Creative Economy
Creativity
Vision
Half of the workforce to
have high-paying, high-
value jobs by 2030
Mission
Broaden our talent Harness the creative
base potentials of Ontarians
4-Way Strategy

Keys to Unlocking Adapt and Thrive in the
Creative Economy
Creativity
Vision
Half of the workforce to
have high-paying, high-
value jobs by 2030
Mission
Broaden our talent Harness the creative
base potentials of Ontarians
4-Way Strategy
Establish social safety
nets

Keys to Unlocking Adapt and Thrive in the
Creative Economy
Creativity
Vision
Half of the workforce to
have high-paying, high-
value jobs by 2030
Mission
Broaden our talent Harness the creative
base potentials of Ontarians
4-Way Strategy
Establish social safety Build Province-wide
nets geographic advantage

So let me tell you
how we get there…
From the Top.

Adapt and Thrive in the
Creative Economy

Creativity Creates
Competitiveness

Creativity Creates
Competitiveness
New jobs in in the coming decade will
be in creativity-oriented and service
occupations.

Here’s something
interesting…

FACT: Since 1987,

the unemployment rate

of routine-oriented jobs

have NEVER been lower
than

while the
unemployment rate

of Creativity-oriented
jobs

have NEVER been
HIGHER
than

Here are some more facts...
Earnings rise as jobs that require analytical
and social intelligence skills increase.

$18,700
Average rise in earnings as analytical skills
increase from 25th to 75th percentile.

$25,100
Average rise in earnings as social
intelligence skills increase from 25th to 75th
percentile.

-$8,100
Reduction in earnings as physical skills
increase from 25th to 75th percentile.

Working harder = Higher Pay

Working harder = Higher Pay
Only for jobs that demand more social
intelligence and analytical skills.

So, where is Ontario at?

So, where is Ontario at?
Actually, workers in Ontario have greater
incentive to develop physical skills.

So, where is Ontario at?
Actually, workers in Ontario have greater
incentive to develop physical skills.

But, the stats show…
More social intelligence and analytical
skills and fewer physical skills are being
demanded.

Therefore, Ontario’s Mission
must become…

Mission: Half of the workforce to have
high-paying, high-value jobs by 2030

Question…
How do we create a high-paying,
high-value job?

Companies must create more
complex business models.

Companies must create more
complex business models.
Powered by people that can execute, and
compete on a global scale.

So, where does it all start?

So, where does it all start?
Early. Very early.

Return on investment in early
childhood development are
higher than those in later in
life stages.

Return on investment in early
childhood development are
higher than those in later in
life stages.
“Invest in programs that
unleash my creativity inside
and outside of the classroom.”

And well into post secondary
education.

And well into post secondary
education.
Which I will talk more on later…

Now, in order to transform to the
creativity-oriented economy
there is …

Simple Formula
to building a
distinct advantage

Simply Put.

Simply Put.
=
Distinct
Global
Advantage

Simply Put.
More
= +
Distinct
Complex
Global
Business
Advantage
Models

Simply Put.
More More Workers
= +
Distinct
Complex with Analytical
Global
Business & Social
Advantage
Models Intelligence

Simply Put.
More More Workers
= +
Distinct
Complex with Analytical
Global
Business & Social
Advantage
Models Intelligence
Together - Draw out more creativity, command higher
wages, solve more global problems

Knowing that, there are…

Strategic pillars to Ontario’s prosperity.

1st Strategic Pillar
Harness the Creative Potential of Ontarians

Increase Creativity in ALL Jobs.

Increase Creativity in ALL Jobs.
This means managing and organizing so
workers can contribute and employ their
thinking skills.

This stimulates the TRIPLE PLAY.

This stimulates the TRIPLE PLAY.
Workers more engaged.
Productivity Improves.
Province Prospers.

But, it all starts with
management.
Yes, managers.

“Develop more effective, creative
managers that unleash employees’
social intelligence skills.”

“Develop more effective, creative
managers that unleash employees’
social intelligence skills.”
“Let me help my company discover creative, globally
competitive advantages.”

“Develop more effective, creative
managers that unleash employees’
social intelligence skills.”
And Market Ontario as a Creative Province.

2nd Strategic Pillar
Broaden our Talent Base.

In 2005, it was predicted
that…

70% of all future jobs in
Canada will require some
post secondary education

70% of all future jobs in
Canada will require some
post secondary education
In 2007, only 40% of 18-24 year olds attended post secondary

70% of all future jobs in
Canada will require some
post secondary education
In 2007, only 40% of 18-24 year olds attended post secondary
“Help me stay in post secondary education.”

3rd Strategic Pillar
Establish New Social
Safety Nets.

Having tolerance, openness and
diversity will always win.

“Reduce barriers to
regulated professions,
and let me fulfill my
Canadian dreams.”

And again… start young.

And again… start young.
It’s worth it.

9:1
cost-benefit ratio on higher
education achievements
and lower crime by starting
in early childhood
education.

But, don’t forget those before us…

But, don’t forget those before us…
There will be those that need more
assistance during the transformation
process.

Consider wage
insurance for longer
tenure workers.
“Encourage me to serve my
community and transform my
skills.”

4th Strategic Pillar
Build Province-
wide geographic
advantage.

Here is the Coles Notes
Version...

Here is the Coles Notes
Version...
50% of all creativity-oriented
jobs in Ontario are based in
Toronto.

Here is the Coles Notes
Version...
50% of all creativity-oriented
jobs in Ontario are based in
Toronto.
And those that live in the “mega-region”
benefit from the creativity.

But...

But...
“Clusters” outside of the mega-region,
juiced by creativity are forming as people
move to rural areas.

So, the solution is to…

“Connect rural regions to the
mega-region and build more
fibre and infrastructure in
Ontario.”

Which will add the speed and
velocity to…

Move goods,
people, and
ideas.

In Summary…

Ontario is about to transform.

Ontario is about to transform.
To prosper and thrive in this creative
economy, we must adapt and harness the
full talents of the people.

But we MUST act now.

But we MUST act now.
Before it’s too late.

satoshi@transformontario.com melanie@transformontario.com
Transform Ontario Institute