Canada’s Innovation Spectrum 2025
Benchmarking leadership, culture and innovation in Canadian workplaces
New national research from Digital Journal examines how innovation is prioritized inside companies, and what separates organizations thriving in change from those falling behind.
Surveying more than 1,000 working Canadians, this study provides a first-of-its-kind look at innovation through the lens of the workforce. The national research was done by market research and insights firm, RKI in partnership Digital Journal.
This research offers insight into how Canada's workforce experiences innovation and what it means for leadership, growth, and competitiveness
Innovation is rarely built into leadership and operations
In a time of economic uncertainty and technology disruption, innovation is no longer just about startups or product launches. It's a leadership strategy, a talent strategy, and a structural advantage for organizations willing to act.
Most companies acknowledge innovation matters. Far fewer take the deliberate steps to operationalize it.
Digital Journal’s new Spring 2025 research study, based on insights from more than 1,000 working Canadians, shows where organizations build resilience — and where they fall behind.
Some of our findings
Game-changing innovation is uncommon
Only 5% of organizations operate as true innovation leaders that would call themselves game changers.
Innovation drives stronger results
Companies prioritizing innovation report 2–4x stronger outcomes across leadership, talent, customer service, and operational efficiency.
Talent mobility shifts with innovation
57% of Canadians would relocate to work for a more innovative company.
What makes this study different?
This is not a ranking or a startup index. It's a national study of how innovation is experienced across Canada’s workforce — across industries, company sizes, and regions.
Key focus areas include:
- How leadership focus separates high-performing companies from those falling behind
- How collaborative cultures accelerate innovation and growth
- How innovation practices shape workforce engagement, retention, and mobility
- How operational choices help or hinder long-term business resilience
Who it's for
- Business leaders defining future strategy
- CEOs and senior executives building innovation cultures
- HR and talent leaders focused on attraction and retention
- Policymakers and economic development teams focused on regional growth
- Investors and advisors seeking long-term signals
Why leaders should understand innovation culture
Innovation is not a project. It’s a system.
Our findings show that companies who embed innovation into leadership, culture, and operations build stronger teams, faster decision-making, and better resilience in a changing economy. Innovation drives competitiveness, talent attraction, and business performance — but only when it is treated as a strategic priority.
"Organizations that operationalize innovation inside leadership and culture outperform those that treat it as a slogan."
Get the report
The full report will include sector-specific breakdowns, workforce analysis, leadership insights, and a framework to apply this research at your company. Download free below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was studied in this research?
This is in independent research project by Digital Journal and RKI, examining how Canadians experience innovation inside companies, based on a survey of more than 1,000 working Canadians.
How is this research different from other innovation reports?
Rather than ranking outputs or startup activity, this study focuses on how leadership, culture, and operational structures drive innovation success inside organizations.
When will the full report be available?
The report will be published on May 21, 2025. Registered readers will receive a free copy by email.
Who should read the report?
Business executives, HR and talent leaders, investors, policymakers, and anyone focused on building competitive organizations in a changing economy.
Who is Digital Journal?
Digital Journal is an independent media and research organization focused on innovation, leadership, and business transformation. We combine original reporting with market research to surface insights that help leaders navigate change. Our publication reaches more than 1.5 million readers each month across Canada, the United States, and internationally.