Why Beth Mason Says Cape Breton Is A 'Magical' Place With Great Innovative Potential

On the latest episode of the "Insights" podcast, Don Mills and David Campbell are continuing their series of conversations with organizations helping to foster innovation in Atlantic Canada. Don and David talk with Dr. Beth Mason, the Chief Executive Officer of the Verschuren Centre for Sustainability in Energy and the Environment located in Cape Breton.

Listeners may be surprised to hear the organization is one of the larger research and development organizations in the region with 40 staff. The Centre is working with 40+ companies to develop innovative new bio-economy and green energy ideas.

Dr. Mason has big plans for the bio-economy and clean technologies in Nova Scotia. Could Cape Breton develop a model and the results we have seen with the PEI bio-economy?

"When I came here what I saw was Cape Breton when I left it more than 30 years ago - dying primary industry and a hotbed for future innovation," says Dr. Mason.

"The challenge was we just weren't recognizing that. The longer you don't recognize it the longer you stagnate. But if you think globally about what the world needs today, there is absolutely no reason you can't do that in Cape Breton, in Nova Scotia, in Atlantic Canada, in Canada as a whole."

Up next we will be talking to Michelle Simms, the President and CEO of the Genesis Centre at Memorial University.  Lots of great things happening in Newfoundland and Labrador these days.  Subscribe to the Insights podcast wherever you get your podcasts and never miss an episode.

The “Insights” podcast combines the experiences of an economist, David Campbell, and a social scientist, Don Mills, to explore the challenges and opportunities facing Atlantic Canada, promote data-driven decision-making among policymakers, and encourage a wider dialogue and debate leading to greater prosperity for the region.

Search for “Huddle Insights” on podcast platforms like Apple and Spotify, and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode. You can also listen to past conversations there.

This episode of Insights is brought to you by MNP Digital – a firm that guides, protects, and empowers organizations along their digital journey. See how at mnpdigital.ca/atlantic-canada-is-home/