In Quebec, we have the benefit of a cluster that helps bring together the entire ecosystem—entrepreneurs, researchers and financiers. That gives an extra boost to the development and commercialization of clean technologies.
Last week, we were in Quebec City for a round table on the green economy. We met a number of stakeholders from western Canada and the Maritimes. At one of the workshops, we concluded by wondering why each province did not have an entity in charge of accelerating technology development and creation. We also concluded that the sector should become a strategic part of the Canadian economy. That is why the Écotech Québec model will be studied in other provinces.
However, other countries have clusters similar to Écotech Québec. Of course, Scandinavian countries are much more advanced than us when it comes to development and commercialization. You should focus specifically on Finland, which has decided to make the clean technology market a strategic sector. It has implemented a number of measures to enable not only development, but also commercialization.
Denmark also has a cluster similar to Écotech Québec in Copenhagen. It is much larger than what we have in Quebec and its results are much more significant. Just to be clear, our results are in line with our means.
We, at Écotech Québec, would eventually like to see clusters like ours in other provinces. Unfortunately, it is currently easier for our companies to do business with clusters outside Canada than with groups in other provinces. It is more difficult to do business in Canada. We think that's absurd.
How can we accelerate that partnership for sharing technologies and needs within Canada? I think that's a challenge we should come to grips with.