Nova Scotia's Digital Sector

4 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 3, ISSUE 10 NOVA SCOT I A ’ S DIGI TAL SECTOR as our world becomes increasingly digital, and the impact is great – from supporting stronger data driven decisions to the productivity and innovation advances fueled by digital adoption. With the accelerated demand, the need for digital talent continues to grow and workforce expansion is an indicator of positive economic growth. During a recent labour market survey completed by the Association of Industry Sector Councils, when asked about their workforce outlook for 2022, 59% of leaders in tech respondents that they expected their workforce to increase. Adding that it was to meet the increasing demand to deliver digital products and services to their customers. A positive growth outlook should not be a surprise. For years, commentators have discussed how Nova Scotia’s tech sector is booming – in fact, there’s even an initiative around just that through Dalhousie University. The pandemic was an accelerating force of technology adoption, and Digital Nova Scotia (DNS) has been a part of this movement, facilitating technology adoption through its digital assistance programs, such as the Tourism Digital Assistance Program (TDAP), in partnership with Tourism Nova Scotia. This program matched hundreds of participating tourism businesses with digital experts to advance their digital presence through digital marketing and new or improved websites. This impactful program was renewed for another season and continues to experience high demand. Along with employers, Digital Nova Scotia and partners are taking action to transform Nova Scotia’s labour force. Post-secondary institutions have been increasing capacity and building industry-led advisory committees, and Digital Nova Scotia alongside many others have worked to create alternative skills training opportunities to equip workers with the in-demand skills needed for continued success. An example is Digital Nova Scotia’s Skills for Hire program, an Atlantic-wide initiative