The Groundbreakers

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

1

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

3

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

1

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

1

2

1

April 2025

Let's Talk: Tariffs, Trade Wars and Local Innovation Countermeasures.

Economic uncertainty is the enemy of prosperity. Let's talk about how to manage it.

Apr 23, 2025

1

2:41

No, You Can't Tariff Your Way to the Promised Land.

Tariffs erode American economic and innovation leadership while helping adversaries. || Two reasons the Trump tariffs are vastly worse than imagined. …

Apr 3, 2025

2

5

May 2024

Reader Survey: How Do You Like Your Content?

1 page, 12 questions, 3 minutes.

May 30, 2024

1

2

Listen Now | Strategic Localization: The Power of Differentiation in Lethbridge's Economic Development

TGB Audio | Southern Alberta's economic hub is building a distinct innovation ecosystem based on the region's unique characteristics and investment in…

May 9, 2024

1

1

14:51