Jennifer Warren on what it really takes to build innovation in Alberta's Wood Buffalo region

Digital Journal sat down with Jennifer Warren, manager of the Wood Buffalo Regional Innovation Network (RIN), to learn how innovation is being fostered in one of Alberta’s most remote regions.

Warren explains why Wood Buffalo’s approach looks different from other parts of the province. With communities spread across vast distances and gaps in everyday infrastructure, the RIN has designed supports that meet people where they are — including a mobile visitor centre and a local maker space with 3D printers, laser cutters, and virtual reality tools.

Distance, not density, shapes the region’s strategy. Entrepreneurs often face hurdles accessing province-wide resources, but stronger collaboration between Alberta’s Regional Innovation Networks is helping bridge those gaps. Warren points to events like Pitch Up, which brings rural entrepreneurs together from across Alberta to share ideas and pitch new concepts.

Listening to local needs is central to what comes next. The Wood Buffalo RIN is conducting a gap analysis to better understand where services fall short and what entrepreneurs want but can’t yet find locally. Warren also hopes to expand the maker space, giving more early-stage innovators the tools to prototype and test their ideas close to home.

This local story reflects a national push for regional innovation and economic diversification — and the practical leadership it takes to turn that vision into reality.

This interview is part of Digital Journal’s coverage in partnership with Alberta’s Regional Innovation Networks (RIN). For more visit: digitaljournal.com/topic/rin