New technology has rarely led to fewer jobs, though it often impacts the way we work — eliminating old ways of doing things to create new opportunities. To mitigate workforce disruption from the rise of AI and automation, we must invest in our people to enhance the value of expertise and enable valuable work. But how do we ensure that AI is constructive and not destructive? On this episode, we’re joined by David Autor, a renowned labour force economist at the Massachusetts Institute of...

Housing affordability has become a crisis in Canada, and we must prioritize innovative designs, building techniques, and technology to boost productivity and close the supply-demand gap. Prefabricated homebuilding promises faster, more cost-effective alternatives to traditional construction methods — and if scaled correctly, a solution to address home prices and rent relief. We’re joined by three prefab experts using technology to rethink construction; Craig Mitchell, Principle at...

Innovative technology continues to disrupt the service sector — where expertise is augmented by cutting-edge tools — in attempt to remove complexity and reimagine delivery. Cloud computing has transformed the legal profession and now AI stands to push that transformation even further — paving the way for a more inclusive and efficient legal system. On this episode, we’re joined by Jack Newton, CEO and Founder of Clio, a LegalTech unicorn based in Canada, to discuss how tech disruption is...

The complexities of the climate transition require funding and access to capital that includes broader support nationwide — because without investment, there will be no transition. But it’s a bumpy year for innovators, with higher interest rates and consumer resistance. Our research also shows that while climate intentions are admirable, consumers are going to act with their economic benefit in mind. We must find ways to simplify sustainable solutions that lead to acceleration and scale to...

Innovative green technology is critical for driving environmental resilience and economic growth — though this tech is no stranger to obstacles. Cleantech faces challenges and persistent barriers and having a diverse ecosystem — including entrepreneurs and investors — that encourages innovation and provides access to capital is critical to scale and market acceptance. This also means women and individuals from underrepresented communities need to be part of the solution. This episode is a...

The climate transition is complex, not just for countries and economies, but for households and individuals. Across the country, Canadians are engaging more with climate action — though we’re still not doing enough to help ourselves and the warming planet. Canada’s climate capital needs to double to $60 billion in annual investments, and if this is going to be the decade that paves a sustainable path, we’ll need to fund, scale and support innovative green technologies. On this episode,...

The World Economic Forum (WEF) is known for its annual gathering of global leaders, policymakers, CEOs, and academics — convening to address the most pressing issues facing people and the planet. “Rebuilding Trust” was the theme this year, though the topic of the week was artificial intelligence — dominating the dialogue on the world stage and the advertisement space in the streets. The pursuit of productivity was on everyone’s mind and each AI session was jam packed. But how much of it is...

The green hydrogen race is on, and billions are at stake. Countries big and small view hydrogen as an opportunity to convert wind, solar, gas and nuclear into molecules that they can sustainably ship around the world. The hydrogen promise extends beyond reducing our carbon footprint and developing cleaner sources of energy; it’s also about reimagining a new industrial model for our economy, opening avenues for economic growth and job creation. Canada is a country filled with vast...

2023 was a year of disruptive change, with the cost-of-living crisis, rising geopolitical tensions, the ongoing climate emergency and rapid technological transformation. Amid the murky backdrop of increasing challenges and negative outlooks, there is also hope and opportunity; a tech resurgence is brewing that’s expected to rise like a phoenix from the Silicon ashes; AI is a dynamic reality shaping the future; cleantech advancements are a driving force for progress; and innovative...

Amid the backdrop of an increasingly polarized geopolitical landscape, growing socio-economic challenges and intensifying climate conditions, the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) hosted its largest ever summit in Dubai with 100,000 attendees. Each COP provides a global stage for nations to collectively address urgent climate issues and foster international cooperation — with the outcomes intended to shape national policies, commitments, and strategies to secure a...

AI has created a dynamic landscape that presents risks and rewards for our nation, and this is Canada’s chance to reimagine its approach in a way that allows us to increase efficiency, remain competitive and enable economic growth. As a nation, we must leverage AI’s true transformative potential to foster an innovative workforce for the future — so business and society can thrive in a world of increased digital disruption. This episode of Disruptors is a recording of a recent session of...

Carbon markets are at the forefront of climate action and the mobilization of carbon credits and offsets are critical — where each carbon credit holds the promise of a greener future for the Great White North. Join us as we unravel the intricate dance of mobilizing these markets — exploring the interplay of trust, transparency, and tradability — while navigating the delicate balance between economic growth and ecological stewardship. On this episode, we are discussing the hype and reality...

The global race to apply AI to robotics in a way that can make society better is on — offering unprecedented efficiency, precision and enhancing productivity to relieve humans from mundane tasks. Though there are concerns regarding ethical dilemmas and potential job displacement — fueling fears about the societal impact of these advancements. Striking a balance between the benefits and addressing these apprehensions will be key to unlocking a harmonious integration into our daily lives....

Climate change and housing affordability are on a collision course, and we're going to need to think differently about how we build our communities across the country. Buildings are critical to the climate transition, whether it’s our homes, offices, hospitals or schools, these structures all have a role to play in the journey to net zero and we need a plan that changes how we design, construct and renovate to make them more sustainable. This week on Disruptors, we’re joined by two leaders...

Flying is at the centre of our culture and acts as an enabler for economic growth and development — connecting Canadians and facilitating integration into the global economy. Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is shaking up the aviation industry with an alternative method to power existing aircrafts, with aims of decarbonization to achieve a more sustainable sky. But can it help Canada reach new heights in the fight against climate change? We’re joined by two experts when it comes to aviation...

This is our 7th season of Disruptors and we’re kicking it off with a bang! There is a tech wave surging and it was truly the summer of AI. People are both excited and worried about what it’ll mean for their communities, jobs, the economy, and the planet. And while these tech advances have immense potential, we need to think deeply about how they’ll be applied. When it comes to AI research, we are a podium nation but when it comes to application, how can Canada step up to the plate? To...

What an epic, even historic, summer it was. Heatwaves, wildfires, storms – it was like Mother Nature and Planet Earth were reminding us that no matter where we are, or what we do, the climate is profoundly changing. Now, as climate presents equal parts challenges and opportunities, we’ll need to accelerate climate action. Meanwhile, the explosion of ChatGPT signaled that AI is really starting to take hold. Now, from regulation to adoption, the race for AI dominance is on. At such a...

It’s no secret that Canada’s labour market is facing significant challenges, but heading into another school year, there’s hope that a series of regulatory changes enacted by the Federal Government could help get more international students into the workforce. That’s why we’re highlighting an episode from the past season of Disruptors, an RBC Podcast, featuring a conversation between host John Stackhouse and tech entrepreneur Martin Basiri. Basiri is the co-founder and CEO of Kitchener,...

Summer bounties are hitting our dinner, picnic and BBQ tables, and farmers are busy gearing up for another fall harvest season. But have you ever considered how much of the food we produce in Canada never even makes it to your plate? Or how much goes into the green bin? This year on Disruptors, an RBC Podcast, we tackled the challenge of food waste in a special series called “The Growing Challenge: How Canada Can Lead the Next Green Revolution in Agriculture.” We’re showing good progress on...

As another wildfire season blankets Canada and the U.S. with smoke, air quality is worsening, and the summers are only getting hotter. Some of Canada’s most populous cities even topped the rankings when it comes to the worst air quality on the planet. That’s why we’re highlighting an important episode of Disruptors, an RBC Podcast, focused on spending on climate action. August 16th marks exactly one year since President Joe Biden signed into law the almost $370-billion Inflation Reduction...

Few things have been more disruptive and hotly debated this year than AI as 2023 marked the potential tipping point in its mass adoption thanks to the public release of generative AI platforms like ChatGPT. From healthcare, to cybersecurity, to journalism and, now, Hollywood, AI is sending shockwaves through virtually every sector of our economy. So, it’s a perfect time to highlight an episode of Disruptors, an RBC Podcast, where host John Stackhouse talks with one of Canada’s preeminent AI...

When it comes to the energy transition, we're going to need to literally rewire our economy. On the season finale of Disruptors, an RBC Podcast, host John Stackhouse sits down with Olivier Desmarais, the CEO of Power Sustainable, one of Canada’s most significant and global enterprises. The firm is a sustainable investment manager that invests in companies and projects that contribute to decarbonization, social progress and growth. Listen as they discuss where Canada fits in the...

If Canada is going to transition to clean energy, we’ve got to involve and engage our Indigenous communities for economic development and reconciliation. On this episode of Disruptors, an RBC Podcast, host John Stackhouse speaks to two leaders working to make a meaningful partnership happen: Annette Verschuren, CEO of NRStor, and Matthew Jamieson, the CEO and President of Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation. Listen as John and guests dissect the makings behind the...

It all starts with the envelope—a building’s envelope, that is, to create more sustainable, comfortable homes and offices. Then the power of innovative materials and software comes together to create Net Zero buildings. In Part 2 of a special two-part series of Disruptors, an RBC Podcast, focused on greening Canada’s build sector, host John Stackhouse chats with three experts dedicated to building Canada’s next generation of sustainable buildings: Brad Carr, CEO of Mattamy Homes; Carol...