What's in Store for Canada After Nortel?

As Nortel (NRTLQ.PK) edges toward oblivion, people are starting to think about life post-Nortel. What will Canada’s high-tech sector be like without thousands of high-paying employees? What will life be like for thousands of pensioners whose benefits are shrinking or disappearing? How will Canada’s R&D activity be impacted?

Another interesting issue is whether Nortel’s demise will have a major effect on Canada’s start-up landscape. In Canada – and probably many countries around the world – one of the great offshoots has been Nortel employees who have left the fold to create their own start-ups. Armed with experience and expertise, these entrepreneurs have played a key role in fueling the start-up landscape, even though they might not get the attention that highlights their time with Nortel.

When Nortel disappears, not only will the company disappear but, sadly, the flow of entrepreneurs coming from the corporate mothership. The question is who will replace Nortel as the corporate entity that will spawn entrepreneurs?

Will employees from Research in Motion (RIMM) fill the start-up gap? How about Microsoft Canada (MSFT) or Ericsson (ERIC) or Nokia (NOK) or Open Text?

Any thoughts?

More more on Nortel’s startup legacy, check out James Bagnall’s story in the Ottawa Citizen.

Comments

[Nettligent:]

Simply brilliant..I hope Nortel's employees get together and create their own startup.
I had a chance to work closely with Nortel's Optical Networking & Carrier Ethernet Business during the past 5 years. Nortel has many great assests, unmatched optical technology know how, and best in class talented Carrier Ethernet engineering.
Optical and Carrier Ethernet are Marriage in Heaven. This market is growing fast.
The world is changing dramatically and very rapidly. Global growth patterns are shifting while the economic and financial crisis continues to play out. 2010 is a best time to start a company in Canada and prepare for future growth when economy turns around.
What are you waiting for?

Nov 22 06:31 PM