RN

Government of the Republic of Newfoundland

NATIONAL INNOVATION AND DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN (2021–2026)

NATIONAL INNOVATION AND DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN (2021–2026)

Republic of Newfoundland – Ministry of Trade & Industry and Ministry of Culture & Communications (Joint White Paper)

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 Edward Fagan, House Address (2021)

2 · STRATEGIC GOALS

  1. Universal high-speed broadband for all citizens and businesses by 2024.
  2. Creation of a secure, sovereign AI and data ecosystem hosted within the Republic.
  3. Expansion of the Labrador Fibre Spine and satellite communications to the Arctic frontier.
  4. Integration of AI, automation, and digital services across education, industry, and public administration.
  5. 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:

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, Happy Valley–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 allied North Atlantic partners.
Its Cyber Defence School trains civilian and military cyber specialists and maintains the Argentia Data Relay Station for 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:

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 civilian-focused 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

11 · INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS