Скачать или смотреть ‘Nobody talked to each other’: Jane Hunter-Uhryn helps break down barriers in rural innovation

Digital Journal sat down with Jane Hunter-Uhryn, manager of the Grand Prairie Regional Innovation Network (RIN), to discuss how rural Alberta is transforming its approach to innovation.

Hunter-Uhryn reflects on a time when “nobody talked to each other.” Now, in a region covering more than 200,000 square kilometres, collaboration has become essential to supporting entrepreneurs outside major cities. She outlines how the Grand Prairie RIN is shifting from isolated programs to a more integrated ecosystem that connects businesses with partners, talent and resources, even when they aren’t available locally.

One of the major developments is the Centre for Entrepreneurial Excellence at Northwestern Polytechnic. As an advisory committee member, Hunter-Uhryn is helping shape a facility that will provide rural entrepreneurs with a dedicated base of operations and better access to support. This comes as the region has seen a 500 percent increase in entrepreneurs seeking help over the past few years.

She points out that many innovators work in oil, gas or manufacturing but often lack local engineering support for prototyping and design. Cross-regional collaboration, including partnerships with organizations in Edmonton, helps fill these gaps.

Hunter-Uhryn also highlights how Alberta’s regional innovation networks are more cohesive today than ever, sharing knowledge and addressing gaps together. This collective approach is building momentum for greater investment in rural communities, ensuring they are not left behind as the province’s innovation ecosystem grows.

The Grand Prairie RIN is now focused on reaching more entrepreneurs across the northwest and exploring larger projects, such as a potential new data centre in Greenview. For Hunter-Uhryn, the work is about ensuring that innovation thrives, no matter how far people live from the city.

For more visit: digitaljournal.com/topic/rin