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Automatisation : rattraper le retard de productivité au Québec

  • avessolutions
  • 12 sept. 2024
  • 2 min de lecture

Quebec's SMEs' lack of investment in automation has a tangible impact on the province’s productivity. In fact, Quebec businesses' productivity rate has increased by only 0.6% annually in recent years, compared to 1.2% for the rest of Canada and 2% for the United States. This significant lag threatens Quebec SMEs' competitiveness in an increasingly efficiency-driven and technology-oriented North American market.



Quebec productivity vs North America
Quebec's GDP per hour worked compared to the Canadian average, Ontario and the United States.

Decline in Provincial Productivity

Quebec’s productivity is 7% below the Canadian average, as measured by GDP per hour worked. This shortfall is directly linked to a low rate of automation in businesses, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises, which make up over 90% of the province’s businesses. This delay hinders their ability to modernise and benefit from the efficiency gains offered by new technologies.


The Importance of Automation

Automating production and management processes can increase productivity by 10 to 50%, depending on the sector, and reduce operational costs by up to 30%. However, only 17% of Quebec SMEs have implemented large-scale automation, compared to 30% of American businesses. In a context of labour shortages, which severely affect Quebec, adopting automation is no longer an option but a necessity. According to a 2021 report, 60% of Quebec’s manufacturing companies struggle to find skilled workers, further highlighting the importance of automation and robotics.


Available Assistance Programmes and Grants

Although the initial investment may seem high, Quebec SMEs have access to many grant programmes to ease their transition to automation. Among the most advantageous programmes:

  • The ESSOR Programme from Investissement Québec, which subsidises automation projects covering up to 75% of eligible costs.

  • The SR&ED tax credits, allowing businesses to recover up to 35% of expenses related to scientific research and innovation.

  • The Innovation Programme from the federal government, supporting businesses in adopting cutting-edge technologies, with funding reaching up to $10 million.


Conclusion

To improve their competitiveness and catch up in productivity, Quebec SMEs must invest in automation. Not only will this modernisation help compensate for the labour shortage, but it will also give them a competitive advantage. Thanks to the numerous support programmes, businesses can significantly reduce initial costs and ensure long-term success in an increasingly demanding market.


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