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Engineering entrepreneurship in Quebec and its ecosystem

The Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec commissioned Aviseo Conseil to profile the engineering entrepreneur and his contribution to Quebec’s prosperity. The study characterizes the entrepreneur-engineer, identifies the challenges he faces and assesses the trends that will shape his business environment over the next decade. A comparative analysis of Quebec’s entrepreneurial ecosystem in relation to that of successful jurisdictions is also offered, in order to target strengths and identify opportunities for improvement.

15% of engineers run their own business
64% of engineering entrepreneurs started their business before the age of 40
77% of engineering entrepreneurs say the main reason for starting a business is to become their own boss
29% of engineers’ entrepreneurs own businesses in consulting engineering services, 17% in construction and 14% in manufacturing
8.1% of these businesses have at least one patent, which is significantly higher than the rate for Canadian firms with 500 or fewer employees (1.7%)
5.1% of engineers’ businesses have registered rights to at least one industrial design, which is significantly higher than the rate for Canadian firms with 500 or fewer employees (0.9%)

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