Knowledge Industry
The Knowledge Industry is the foundation of all industries. It powers every other sector—from technology and finance to healthcare and the arts—by leveraging intellectual capital, innovation, and economic growth.
The Knowledge Industry refers to sectors of the economy primarily involved in the production, distribution, and application of knowledge and information. Popularized by economist Fritz Machlup in the 1960s, it is a key component of the post-industrial economy.
Key Characteristics of the Knowledge Industry:
- Intellectual Labor: Skilled professionals such as scientists, educators, engineers, and IT specialists.
- Non-material Output: Intangible goods like research, education, software, and consultancy.
- Innovation-Driven: Focused on creating new knowledge, technologies, and processes.
- High Value-Added: Generates significant economic value from relatively low physical input.
Examples of Knowledge Industries:
- Education and Training
- Research and Development (R&D)
- Information Technology and Software
- Media and Publishing
- Consulting and Professional Services
Shaping the Debate: The Knowledge Industry Shift
Shaping the Debate: The Knowledge Industry Shift
Centering Human Intelligence in a Time of Transformation
Hosted by the University of New Brunswick and the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce Sept. 15–16, 2025
What Was Said at the Event
Over two days, Shaping the Debate convened leaders from academia, government, industry, and the nonprofit sector to explore how a community like Fredericton and the province of New Brunswick can lead in a global economy increasingly shaped by ideas, technology, and human creativity.
Insights from the Panels
Panel 1: The New Brunswick Advantage
Theme: Harnessing digital transformation through leadership and collaboration
- Leadership and Vision
- Scaling innovation requires shared leadership across sectors.
- Policy and Investment Climate:
- Uncertainty and fragmentation hinder growth; coordinated strategies are needed.
- Community Engagement:
- Success depends on meeting people where they are, using relatable language and examples.
- Infrastructure and Scale:
- Fredericton’s investments (e.g., Cyber Centre) are promising, but scale remains a challenge.
Panel 2: Towards an Intelligence Economy
Theme: AI and data are reshaping productivity and human roles
- Human-in-Control Approach
- AI must be guided by human values, ethics, and creativity.
- Research and Innovation
- Nearly all new projects involve AI, but underinvestment persists.
- Education and Skills
- Students need both technical and critical thinking skills to adapt and lead.
- Strategic Collaboration
- New Brunswick’s size and culture enables nimble, interdisciplinary innovation and collaboration.
Panel 3: The Human Advantage
Theme: Preparing minds for a machine-shaped world
- Generative Education
- Learning must evolve to prioritize process, creativity, and adaptability.
- Experiential Learning
- Simulation, mentorship, and practical experience are essential to growth.
- Soft Skills as Core Skills
- Communication, analytical judgement, empathy, and ethical reasoning are now central to workforce readiness.
- Micro-Credentialing and Metrics
- New tools are needed to validate human-centric competencies.
Vision 2030
Ignite’s Vision 2030: Regional Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan, released May 16, outlines a bold path forward. It positions Fredericton and the Capital Region as global leaders in four priority sectors This strategy lays the foundation for sustained investment in talent, innovation, and infrastructure, with the Knowledge Industry as the unifying connection.- Knowledge Economy: 2,700 businesses, 30+ research organizations, and 15,000+ students in relevant programs.
- Creative Industries: 10% job growth since 2019, supported by incubators like CATAPULT and FabLab-NB.
- Defense: Anchored by CFB Gagetown, contributing $700 million annually to GDP.
- Natural Resources: Strengthened by research at UNB’s Wood Science and Technology Centre and the Centre for Nuclear Energy Research.
National Contributor
Fredericton’s Knowledge Industry is a cornerstone of provincial and national prosperity.
- Powered by a highly skilled workforce, world-class research institutions, cutting-edge companies, and advanced digital infrastructure.
- Supports New Brunswick’s traditional economic pillars while opening doors to global opportunities.
- Strategic partnerships with Opportunities NB, Research NB, and Canada’s cybersecurity and defence sectors accelerate business growth and attract global talent.
Provincial and National Opportunity
Global competitors are investing heavily in research and talent. The European Commission has committed €500 million to attract top researchers, with France adding another €100 million.
Published References
“Fredericton’s Knowledge Industry” by Morgan Peters (January 2025)
“Fredericton Positioned to Lead in Canada’s Knowledge and Innovation Economy” (May 28, 2025)
“Letter to Premier Holt Re: Fredericton’s National Contribution (Knowledge Industry)” (May 23, 2025)
“Looking Back to Move Forward: A Summer Reflection” by Morgan Peters (June 2025)
City of Fredericton – Knowledge Capital Page