Author: Michel Girard / Topic: Science and Technology

Author:: Michel Girard
Publication Date:: 07-2023
Content Type:: Working Paper
Institution:: Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI)
Abstract:: Canada’s current approach to rulemaking is not keeping pace with the deployment of new digital technologies. This paper proposes to modernize the Statutory Instruments Act to bridge that gap, suggesting that mandatory standards, technical specifications and conformity assessment programs should be recognized as statutory instruments alongside regulations. This borrows from the European Union’s “New Approach” established in 1985, whereby regulators can request that EU standards bodies develop mandatory standards as a compliance mechanism to laws, even while legislation is being drafted. Streamlining rulemaking is essential to help manage the harms associated with digital technologies as soon as possible after they are commercialized.
Topic:: Science and Technology, Digital Policy, Standards, and Digital Governance
Political Geography:: Canada and North America

Author:: Michel Girard
Publication Date:: 06-2022
Content Type:: Policy Brief
Institution:: Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI)
Abstract:: Standards and certification programs are developed to support new trustworthy artificial intelligence (AI) legislation. Recent developments point to the emergence of a two-track approach. One track would focus on the certification of AI applications embedded in tangible products using objective criteria through established conformity assessment bodies. Regarding AI interacting with humans and used in delivering services, there is a need to create a new track. This track is needed to verify and validate compliance against subjective criteria, values and ethics, seen by many as an integral part of what constitutes trustworthy AI. The practice of “assurance as a service” can be adapted to verify and validate conformance to upcoming trustworthy AI standards. This policy brief provides an update on key legislative and policy developments framing trustworthy AI. It sketches possible approaches for the certification, verification and validation of AI embedded in products and in services and looks at recent proposals regarding the creation of a new chartered profession to deliver assurance services to achieve trustworthy AI.
Topic:: Science and Technology, Regulation, Artificial Intelligence, Emerging Technology, and Trust
Political Geography:: Global Focus

Author:: Michel Girard
Publication Date:: 03-2021
Content Type:: Working Paper
Institution:: Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI)
Abstract:: Fifth-generation (5G) networks are the building blocks of the new digital economy; therefore, standardization of these networks is essential to building a strong foundation. A North American Technology Trust can help Canada, Mexico and the United States work together to develop common standards needed to build, maintain and operate a safe and reliable 5G infrastructure. These standards, guided by a 5G technology road map and safety code, will help maximize the benefits of 5G networks and related technologies for users across the continent. This policy brief is a contribution to a workshop focusing on the future of 5G in North America. The 5G Beyond Borders workshop, organized by the Wilson Center, CIGI and Tecnológico de Monterrey, discussed how strategic cooperation at the North American level can directly shape the future of 5G and lay the groundwork for expanded North American competitiveness in a range of emerging technologies.
Topic:: Regional Cooperation, Science and Technology, Infrastructure, 5G, and Emerging Technology
Political Geography:: Canada, North America, Mexico, and United States of America

Author:: Michel Girard
Publication Date:: 01-2020
Content Type:: Working Paper
Institution:: Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI)
Abstract:: Global data standards are urgently needed to foster digital cooperation and manage global tech platforms. No global organization is currently mandated to coordinate the development, maintenance and use of technical standards covering data value chains and policy-oriented standards covering data governance. Precedents exist where standards development work is coordinated by international organizations in sectors of the economy operating across borders, from aviation and maritime shipping to meteorology, food production, public health and the management of the internet. This paper proposes the creation of a Data Standards Task Force (DSTF), which would be entrusted with a dual mandate: enabling the development of technical standards to create data value chains and being accountable for the development of data governance standards needed by regulators to properly frame the leading big tech platforms (Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft and Google). The ultimate objective of the DSTF would be to create the required architecture for a “single data zone” where data can circulate freely between participating jurisdictions.
Topic:: Science and Technology, Social Media, Data, Digital Cooperation, and Big Tech
Political Geography:: Global Focus

Author:: Michel Girard
Publication Date:: 08-2020
Content Type:: Working Paper
Institution:: Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI)
Abstract:: Data is seen by many as the most lucrative commodity of the new global economy. Data analytics and self-teaching algorithms are projected to continue to disrupt every imaginable market and to create new ones. Many organizations are struggling to integrate big data analytics into their operations. New data governance challenges could be tackled through adherence to a data governance standard. There is currently no standard in place to provide guidance on the deployment of corporate data policies to manage ethics, transparency and trust in data value chains. This policy brief outlines the issues that should be covered in the proposed standard.
Topic:: Science and Technology, Governance, and Data
Political Geography:: Global Focus

Refine your search