The Groundbreakers

“No one knows your market better than the people living and working and operating businesses in it.”

“You'd pay 10s of thousands, if not 100s of thousands of dollars to reach conclusions that this software can give me much faster and powered by feedback…

Oct 2

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1:44

September 2026

Media Coverage: The Groundbreakers Partnership with Lethbridge County

Expert Lethbridge County respondents to our structured diagnostic helped uncover useful, practical recommendations.

Sep 25

Why does it take months to figure out what local experts already know about your economy?

Why rapid digital diagnostics are replacing slow, traditional planning for regions and municipalities that want to stay resilient and competitive.

Sep 24

June 2026

In the Particular is Contained the Universal: Knowledge as the DNA of Place

The hidden power of local uniqueness in an age of universal disruption has forward-thinking leaders turning knowledge into real economic hope.

Jun 8

1

February 2026

The New Geography of Defence: Local Innovation Ecosystems Are the New Front Line

National budgets are surging but local success is a science. Using innovation ecosystem analysis, we explore how cities and towns can transform from…

Feb 20

2

Cracking the Code of Local Prosperity

While everyone debates AI, I built something with it. My extremely steep journey from "complete, total, and absolute" ignorance to shipping innovation…

Feb 16

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October 2025

Lansing: How This 'Big Small City' Is Beating Global Economic Uncertainty

Where else will you find a 15-minute drive to a world-leading particle accelerator while living in the country? Plus, how a proud manufacturing heritage…

Oct 21, 2025

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11:50

How St. John’s is Forging Its Own Innovation Destiny

Innovation thrives in interconnected ecosystems built on collaboration, unique local strengths, and unwavering resilience. Learn how St. John's puts…

Oct 14, 2025

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7:53

The Edmonton Equation: How a City's Radical Repositioning is Driving Billions in Investment

Competing on the global stage--where hundreds of communities worldwide are after the same things--requires radical repositioning and relentless pursuit…

Oct 8, 2025

2

10:25

September 2025

St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador: North Atlantic Powerhouse

"When we see and hear resiliency, we think Newfoundland and Labrador because as a population, as a province, we've had to be resilient over the last…

Sep 24, 2025

1

5:45

Lansing, Michigan: Understand Your Moment

LEAP's Bob Tresize on how Lansing's unique local characteristics create local economic advantages and benefits. Plus: Innovation--the game in which…

Sep 22, 2025

1

5:17

We Don't Give Proto-Entrepreneurs Enough Credit.

Plus: 800 words on why I'm shifting The Groundbreakers to a video-first publication.

Sep 19, 2025

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