GRAND Researcher Dr. Catherine Middleton was selected to deliver the first lecture in the prestigious Big Thinking Lecture Series organized in Ottawa by the Canadian Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences. In her presentation, “From Canada 2.0 to a Digital Nation”, Dr. Middleton challenged the politicians, policy makers, media and the public in attendance to realize a bold vision for a next-generation, broadband-enabled digital society.   

Starting her talk with a story to demonstrate that “digital era politicians ignore technology at their peril”, Dr. Middleton went on to suggest that politicians and policy makers need to better understand current technologies and their implications in order to help shape Canada’s digital strategy.

Dr. Middleton drew upon statistics and narrative to outline the importance of accessible, upgraded broadband connectivity for social and economic development, as well, she described ways in which Canada could regain it’s position as a worldwide digital leader.  

“From Canada 2.0 to a Digital Nation” can be read here.

Middleton is one of Canada's leading experts on the emerging digital economy. Her research focuses on consumer adoption of new communication technologies, with a focus on mobile devices and fixed and wireless broadband networks. She is also interested in how Canadians use (or don't use) the internet in their daily lives.

Dr. Middleton holds dual roles at the GRAND NCE. She is a theme leader of nMedia (New Media Challenges and Opportunities) and a project leader of DINS (Digital Infrastructures).  At Ryerson University, Dr. Middleton is an Associate Professor and holds a Canada Research Chair in Communication Technologies in the Information Society.