A new online database that tracks technology companies shows the B.C. tech sector continues to grow and diversify.
PwC produced the first Techmap in 1997 and updates it periodically. Until now, however, the resource has not been available to the general public. The beta version of its B.C. Techmap goes live today (www.pwctechmaps.com).
"We decided on a beta release for 2012 before going final," said PwC partner Michael Calyniuk. "Based on PwC's experience with the 2003 Techmap, many firms who were surveyed and did not submit data came forward after the Techmap was printed and wanted to participate.
"This time we are leaving the 2012 survey database open for another 30 or 40 days to give companies a chance to be included in the large printed poster of the 2012 Techmap. The online Techmap will continue to be available for update in the future."
The 2012 Techmap provides details on 1,400 B.C. technology companies – an increase from the 942 companies shown in the 2003 edition.
B.C. technology companies employed roughly 89,000 people in 2011 – about 4% of the total workforce in B.C., according to the new Techmap data. Since 2003, employment in the technology sector grew by 3.2% per year, on average.
Techmap provides an interesting look at the history of technology companies in B.C., dating back to the 1890s. (BC Tel's precursor dates back to 1891.) Mergers, acquisitions, closures and the movement of technology and key industry people are detailed in the Techmap history.
The database divides B.C.'s technology sector into 11 clusters. Software companies constitute the largest, with 981 companies.
Other clusters include mobile and web, cloud integration, electronics, telecommunications and wireless communications, life sciences, digital and media, advanced manufacturing and semi conductors, energy technology, clean technology and services and analytics.
