NATIONAL INNOVATION AND DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN (2021–2026)
NATIONAL INNOVATION AND DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN (2021–2026)
Republic of Newfoundland – Ministry of Industry, Communications, and Technology (MICT)
Tabled in the House of Assembly, St. John’s — 18 November 2021
1 · INTRODUCTION
The National Innovation and Digital Infrastructure Plan (NIDIP) defines the Republic’s integrated roadmap for technological modernization, connectivity, and digital sovereignty from 2021 through 2026.
It unifies the policies of industry, communications, and education to ensure that Newfoundland remains one of the world’s most connected and innovative small nations.
“Digital sovereignty is modern independence. Our cables, satellites, and code are the new fortifications of the Republic.”
— Prime Minister Elena Hanrahan, House Address (2021)
2 · STRATEGIC GOALS
- Universal high-speed broadband for all citizens and businesses by 2024.
- Creation of a secure, sovereign AI and data ecosystem hosted within the Republic.
- Expansion of the Labrador Fibre Spine and satellite communications to the Arctic frontier.
- Integration of AI, automation, and digital services across education, industry, and public administration.
- Support for innovation-driven economic growth in clean technology, media, and advanced manufacturing.
3 · BROADBAND AND CONNECTIVITY INFRASTRUCTURE
3.1 The Labrador Fibre Spine (LFS)
The LFS, begun in 2016, now extends 2 100 km from St. John’s to Nain, connecting every major community in Newfoundland and Labrador.
By 2023, 99.9% of the Republic’s population had access to high-speed fibre or 5G wireless coverage.
3.2 National Communications Grid (NCG)
A redundant digital backbone linking fibre, microwave, and satellite systems, managed by the Newfoundland Telecommunications Authority (NTA).
The NCG ensures uninterrupted service across the North Atlantic and provides secure, real-time communications for:
- Civilian telecommunications
- Maritime navigation and air-traffic control
- National Defence and Cyber Defence Command (CDC) operations
3.3 North Atlantic Satellite Constellation (NASC)
Launched 2022 in partnership with Iceland and Norway, NASC provides broadband redundancy and environmental monitoring over Newfoundland’s 200-mile economic zone and northern fisheries.
4 · DIGITAL SOVEREIGNTY AND DATA SECURITY
4.1 National Cloud Infrastructure (NCloud)
Newfoundland’s state-owned cloud, hosted in St. John’s, Goose Bay, and Corner Brook, serves government, academia, and regulated private sectors.
It enforces data residency and AI ethics standards defined under the Digital Sovereignty Act (2020).
4.2 Cyber Defence Command (CDC)
The CDC, co-located with Memorial University, safeguards public networks, critical infrastructure, and communications with Six Eyes partners.
Its Cyber Defence School trains civilian and military cyber specialists and maintains the Argentia Data Relay Stationfor trans-Atlantic intelligence synchronization.
4.3 Digital ID and Privacy Framework
A universal Newfoundland Digital Identity (NDID) system provides citizens secure access to all government services, including tax, healthcare, and education portals, with full privacy and encryption guarantees.
5 · NATIONAL AI AND AUTOMATION POLICY
5.1 AI Innovation Framework (AIF 2021)
The Artificial Intelligence Framework ensures that all AI deployed within the Republic is transparent, auditable, and sovereign in ownership.
Priority sectors include:
- Fisheries monitoring and ocean analytics
- Renewable-energy grid optimization
- Maritime and air navigation
- Language preservation and translation (English, French, Inuttitut)
- Public safety and emergency response
5.2 AI Research and Development
Memorial University’s Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Data Sciences (IAIDS) leads national R&D alongside private incubators such as Avalon Robotics and Labrador Systems Group.
Between 2021 and 2025, over ₦ 800 million NFD was allocated to AI development grants and university partnerships.
5.3 AI Ethics and International Cooperation
Newfoundland co-authored the Reykjavik Declaration on Ethical AI (2022), establishing North Atlantic standards for accountability and non-militarized civilian applications of artificial intelligence.
6 · INDUSTRY AND INNOVATION CLUSTERS
6.1 Avalon Innovation Corridor
Centred around St. John’s and Mount Pearl, this region hosts over 400 technology firms, including clean-energy startups, software developers, and additive-manufacturing workshops.
6.2 Goose Bay Aerotech Zone
Anchored by Goose Bay Airport and the Labrador AI Campus, this zone integrates aerospace engineering, satellite communications, and Arctic research operations.
6.3 Corner Brook Green Industry Park
A national centre for biomass energy, hydrogen storage, and sustainable forestry research — converting traditional industry into clean-tech exports.
7 · CULTURE AND DIGITAL INTEGRATION
7.1 The Digital Heritage Network (DHN)
Integrated into the national cloud, DHN serves as both a cultural archive and digital-export platform.
Its success supports education, tourism, and creative industries — linking cultural preservation directly to economic growth.
7.2 BCN World Expansion
BCN’s migration to 8K, multi-language, cloud-broadcast systems by 2025 ensures Newfoundland’s continued leadership in small-nation public media.
The broadcaster’s AI translation and interactive education platforms now reach over 25 million viewers worldwide.
8 · GREEN DATA AND ENERGY SYSTEMS
Newfoundland’s digital infrastructure runs on 93% renewable energy, largely from hydroelectric power in Labrador and offshore wind farms.
Data centres at St. John’s and Corner Brook employ heat-recovery systems feeding municipal heating grids.
9 · ECONOMIC IMPACT AND EMPLOYMENT
| Sector | Jobs Created (2021–2025) | GDP Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Broadband & Infrastructure | 4 800 | ₦ 3.1 B NFD |
| AI & Automation | 6 200 | ₦ 4.5 B NFD |
| Cybersecurity & Data Services | 2 100 | ₦ 1.7 B NFD |
| Creative & Digital Media | 5 500 | ₦ 2.3 B NFD |
| Green Energy & Data Centres | 1 900 | ₦ 1.2 B NFD |
10 · FUNDING STRUCTURE
- National Innovation Fund (NIF): ₦ 2 billion NFD revolving fund for grants and equity investments.
- Public–Private Infrastructure Partnerships: regulated under the Innovation Investment Act (2021).
- Sovereign Fund Allocations: 0.6 % of GDP earmarked annually for digital and AI development.
11 · INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS
- Iceland & Norway: North Atlantic Fibre and NASC cooperation.
- United States & Canada: Arctic telecommunications and weather systems interoperability.
- United Kingdom & Ireland: AI research exchange and undersea-cable maintenance.
- European Union: Renewable-data centre cooperation via the North Atlantic Green Grid Initiative.
12 · PERFORMANCE TARGETS (2026)
| Objective | Baseline (2020) | Target (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Broadband Coverage | 92 % | 100 % national access |
| Average Connection Speed | 250 Mbps | 1 Gbps |
| AI Sector GDP Share | 1.8 % | 4.5 % |
| Renewable-Powered Data Infrastructure | 80 % | 100 % |
| Cybersecurity Workforce | 1 200 | 3 500 |
| Cloud Sovereignty Compliance | 70 % | 100 % |
13 · VISION 2030 — “A NATION CONNECTED”
“From the outports to the ice edge, the Republic speaks in data and light.
Our independence endures not only in law and sea, but in every signal that crosses our sky.”
— Minister of Industry and Technology, Patrick Dawe, Address to the Assembly (2021)
Newfoundland’s innovation strategy unites geography, technology, and sovereignty — transforming the North Atlantic’s smallest nation into one of the world’s most connected.
✅ End of the National Innovation and Digital Infrastructure Plan (2021–2026)
Filed as Supplement B to the White Paper on Education, Science, and Culture (2020).