The digital economy in Alberta is about to get a serious system upgrade..The Canadian Blockchain Consortium (CBC) partnered with Alberta Innovates to develop a plan to grow the province’s blockchain market to drive the province out of the COVID-19 economic slump. .The CBC says its objective is "to unite Canada's diverse community of blockchain business owners, developers, adopters and those interested in exploring this technology’s transformative potential.".Alberta Innovates is the province’s largest research and innovation agency and supports industry research, business development, and supports the start-up community to build new technology and drive new ideas..The three-year plan will provide a framework for growth for the provincial blockchain market by actively engaging stakeholders, undertaking research, commercial analysis, identifying business opportunities, and business development..Blockchain and digital currency are fast evolving into a fundamental part of the global economy. The sector reached a peak of $3 trillion in market capitalization in 2021..“There is untapped potential when it comes to blockchain and cryptocurrency in Alberta,” says Koleya Karringten, executive director of the Canadian Blockchain Consortium. “By building a strategy and working across industries, Alberta can prove that we are truly leaders in cryptocurrency on the world stage.” .The Consortium received $175,000 in funding from Alberta Innovates to develop the strategy and work with industry stakeholders. It will provide an arena for uniting diverse interests, including leading blockchain companies, members of key industries and organizations like Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), Deloitte, Edmonton Global, Alberta IoT, Innovate Edmonton, and the Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)..“Alberta is a destination for cryptocurrency and blockchain companies. We are looking forward to working with the Canadian Blockchain Consortium on this three-year strategy to further Alberta’s competitive investment and regulatory environments,” says Doug Schweitzer, minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation..Laura J. Kilcrease, CEO of Alberta Innovates, sees the collaboration as a chance to optimize opportunities for the promotion of Alberta's digital currency technologies and uptake..“Alberta Innovates is proud to support the Canadian Blockchain Consortium in developing this strategy,” says Kilcrease. “We need to ensure Alberta is a place to do business for tomorrow. By planning for the future, Alberta has the opportunity to unlock our cryptocurrency potential.”.The joint project seeks to "educate and raise awareness of the blockchain industry’s incredible economic and social value, by supporting ecosystem development.".Amanda Brown is a reporter with the Western Standard.abrown@westernstandard.news.Twitter: @WS_JournoAmanda
