MONTREAL/February 4, 1999—
Earlier this week, Montreal TechnoVision released the results of a study conducted with 106 of Quebec's major information technology companies which showed a sizeable need for trained professionals now, and an estimated 20%-a-year increase in industry needs until the year 2001. At the current rate, universities can only increase their graduation rate of qualified information technology professionals by 3% over the same period.
Commenting on the study, Concordia University Provost and Vice-Rector Research, Jack Lightstone said, ìIn the view of Concordia, the study and accompanying recommendations released by Montreal TechnoVision this past Tuesday help provide both government and the universities with a valuable aid to respond more effectively to the needs of the Montreal region with regard to the development of its high-tech industries.î
Concordia had several opportunities to discuss the issue with Montreal TechnoVision in the months leading up to its report and was pleased to see such harmony between its vision and recommendations and the results of Concordia's own academic planning processes. As a result of our academic planning, Concordia has already moved in significant and substantial ways in the directions recommended in the report precisely in order to help meet the demands of the industries for which Montreal TechnoVision speaks.
The Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science has already begun a process that will double enrolments in programs related to information technology by 2002-2003. It has doubled its intake in postgraduate Computer Science Diploma students (to 100) and has both introduced new programs or is in the process of developing new programs in software engineering, software systems and telecommunications while increasing enrolments in existing programs in computer science, computer engineering and electrical engineering. The Faculty has also been working closely with industry leaders through the University's Capital Campaign to fund innovative undergraduate computer labs and facilities. Together with the Faculty of Fine Arts, the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science has introduced a joint program in the area of digital image and sound (multimedia).
Lightstone added, ìAlthough our ability to achieve these goals is significantly constrained by factors all related to the serious underfunding of Quebec universities due to five years of draconian cuts, we fully endorse the recommendations of Montreal TechnoVision which aim to alleviate these impediments. Furthermore, we encourage and look forward to similar reports from Montreal TechnoVision in the area of biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, another industrial lifeline of Montreal's regional development in high-tech industry. We are as committed to helping meet these needs as we are in the area of information technology.î
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