Digital Innovation and Leadership Initiative (DIAL)
The Digital Innovation and Leadership strategic initiative has been custom designed to help people and companies develop capacity for digital transformation.
Project Overview
Updated January 28, 2025.
The Problem
Canadian companies need access to new talent or to upskill their current employees to keep up and be successful.
CEOs know digital is the future. They also know that people – their people – are behind in their technology ambitions. Without skilled talent, no company can successfully drive their growth plans forward. While it is tempting to pause or cut back, this is not the time.
How We Are Solving It
Simon Fraser University’s Beedie School of Business’ Digital Innovation and Leadership (DIAL) program collaborates with private-sector, public-sector, not-for-profit and educational partners. DIAL is designed to provide a systems change solution for Canadian employers looking for access to new talent or to quickly and effectively upskill current employees. Two responsive training programs are offered:
- Digital Transformation Management – For early to mid-career individuals who want to develop a digital innovation mindset along with the skills and capabilities to generate digital innovation ideas and put them into action in their daily work. Ideal for project managers, analysts, developers, and both internal and external consultants.
- Digital Transformation Leadership – For leaders who manage teams that are driving digital transformation in their organizations. This program will help them to understand where they are on their digital journey, assess an idea for change and create a pitch to communicate that vision to their team, peers and senior leadership. Ideal for any leader who is engaged in a digital initiative.
The Result
Starting in 2021, DIGITAL’s initial co-investment in the DIAL program has engaged over 200 organizations and successfully graduated over 700 professionals and leaders in B.C. and across Canada within forestry, health, biotech, government and not-for-profits to develop the mindset and toolset to succeed with digital innovation. Alumni stories included leaders from YVR Airport working on the airport’s digital twinning project, the head of outpatients for St. Paul’s Hospital and senior systems analysts for Canfor. Read more alumni stories here.
In 2025, we announced our continued co-investment in DIAL to support another 250 individuals towards managing and leading digital transformation within their sectors. This renewed support will also support incorporating new AI competencies and tools in the curriculum; implement a cross-training curriculum model; integrate apprenticeships and include work-integrated learning for participants.
As part of maintaining a crucial connection to the evolving talent needs of industry, DIAL will additionally establish a Digital Advisory Committee with representation from major players in key industries and sectors including tech, healthcare, financial services, cleantech, Indigenous groups, not-for-profits and public organizations.
Project Lead
Project Partners
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"The DIAL initiative reflects DIGITAL’s commitment to fostering inclusive and equitable digital skilling opportunities that champion diversity, strengthen communities, and cultivate a highly skilled digital talent pool—making a meaningful difference for B.C. and Canada."
CEO, Digital Supercluster