Simon Fraser University’s Beedie School of Business today announced a scale-up of its partnership with DIGITAL, Canada’s Global Innovation Cluster for digital technologies, to elevate the DIAL (Digital Innovation and Leadership) initiative. This expanded phase will emphasize digital innovation capacity building for 250 leaders and professionals from not-for-profit organizations and equity groups.

The extended collaboration introduces new AI competencies and tools, along with a cross-training curriculum model paired with work-integrated learning. These innovations reinforce DIAL’s commitment to digital innovation capacity building, ensuring participants gain practical experience in leading digital transformation within mission-driven organizations.

“Canadian organizations need qualified talent to remain competitive within an increasingly digital world and make meaningful differences within their communities,” said Sydney Goodfellow, Director of DIGITAL’s talent-focused program, the Digital Learning Lab. “DIGITAL is proud to continue to support SFU Beedie’s DIAL initiative in equipping business leaders with the skills needed to spearhead digital transformation and innovation within their organizations.”

Since its inception, the DIAL initiative has prepared over 700 individuals to spearhead modernization efforts across various industries. By emphasizing inclusive digital innovation capacity building, the program enables participants to enhance processes and drive engagement. It also helps them deploy technology solutions that serve community needs.

Since its inception, the DIAL initiative has prepared over 700 individuals to spearhead modernization efforts across various industries. By emphasizing inclusive digital innovation capacity building, the program enables participants to enhance processes and drive engagement. It also helps them deploy technology solutions that serve community needs.

“SFU is committed to making a difference for B.C. and Canada through educational programs that support industry and businesses to meet their goals. Through upskilling and training initiatives such as the DIAL program, we are helping businesses to adapt and flourish in the AI-driven digital economy,” says Joy Johnson, President & Vice-Chancellor of Simon Fraser University.

In this new phase, DIAL will establish an advisory capacity to guide curriculum updates and ensure alignment with emerging trends. The approach involves leaders from private and public sectors, as well as Indigenous and not-for-profit organizations. They provide expertise to strengthen the program’s relevance in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

DIGITAL’s renewed co-investment affirms its dedication to building workforce resilience and fueling Canada’s knowledge-based economy. Professionals and organizations interested in joining or supporting this initiative can visit the DIAL website for more information.