Technology Governance Initiative

“Rapid technology innovations continue to impact all areas of international affairs. Good governance and effective policy supporting these innovations are critical for national resilience, and the strength of the international system. I believe that the research expertise in Waterloo Region, led by the Balsillie School of International Affairs, will bring solutions to these challenges.” —Jim Balsillie

In September 2023, the BSIA was the recipient of a $5 million dollar donation from the Balsillie Family Foundation for the establishment of the Technology Governance Initiative (TGI) at the School.

The TGI at the BSIA will include the development of several new projects including:

The Balsillie Scholars Program, which will bring top international technology governance scholars/practitioners to the School for terms ranging from three months to one year for student/young faculty mentorship, research and collaboration. Call for applications now open.
The Balsillie Case Studies is a repository of true stories of contemporary technology governance challenges experienced by governmental, industrial and multilateral institutions. The dilemmas require innovative solutions to break away from the status quo. Prepared by experts from within a particular domain, the Balsillie Case Studies series nurtures critical thinking about safety, human rights, transparency, accountability and other governance innovation to the implementation of emerging technologies.
Submit your case study proposal here.
Several student-focused initiatives including a two-week Technology Governance Summer School, paid Internship Support in technology fields, and an Annual Student Policy Challenge focused on technology governance.
An annual Balsillie Survey, which will present data and analysis reflecting technology governance and policy-related feedback from Canada’s top technology leaders, providing important empirical data and analyses for both the policy and research communities. More information about this pillar will be available soon.

See News Release

TGI News and Announcements

The Balsillie School of International Affairs (BSIA) is accepting applications to the Balsillie Scholars program. For more information, visit https://balsillieschool.ca/balsillie-scholars/.