Balsillie School Students and Alumni are invited to participate in the inaugural “Technology Governance Policy Challenge”, a groundbreaking initiative organized by the Balsillie School of International Affairs (BSIA) in collaboration with the School of International Service (SIS) at the American University in Washington, D.C. This unique challenge, set to take place on April 18-19, 2024, offers an unparalleled opportunity for students—both past and present—to engage with critical issues in the evolving landscape of technology governance.
Background: Technology Governance Initiative (TGI)
The Technology Governance Policy Challenge is an integral part of the broader Technology Governance Initiative launched by the BSIA. This initiative, generously supported by a $5 million donation from the Balsillie Family Foundation, aims to address the complex and dynamic intersection of technology, policy, and international affairs. The TGI encompasses various projects, including the Balsillie Scholars Program, student-focused initiatives, the Balsillie Survey, and the publication of the Technology Governance Case Study series.
Under TGI, our goal is to cultivate a collaborative and innovative environment, bringing together scholars, practitioners, and students to explore solutions to global challenges posed by rapid technological advancements. The Technology Governance Policy Challenge stands out as a flagship event, empowering student voices to shape policies that will impact the trajectory of technology governance in the years to come.
Technology Governance Policy Challenge: What to Expect
This two-day challenge will see teams from SIS and BSIA competing to develop the best ideas in addressing longer-term governance challenges in the technology sector. Participating student teams will draw inspiration from real-world case studies and present their proposals to a distinguished panel of judges comprising industry experts, government representatives, and faculty members. Beyond theoretical discussions, the challenge provides a platform for practical engagement, feedback, and collaborative problem-solving, offering an excellent opportunity to network with like-minded graduate students interested in future governance challenges.
Express Your Interest: How to Participate
If you are passionate about the intersection of technology, policy, and global affairs, we encourage you to express your interest in being part of this transformative event by joining a student team. Each team will be comprised of enthusiastic individuals with diverse perspectives. Your unique insight will contribute to the collective effort in shaping policies that influence the future of technology governance.
Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to the discourse on technology governance, collaborate with industry leaders, and be part of shaping the future of international affairs.
To express your interest, please send an email to Zack Ahmed (zahmed @ balsillieschool.ca). The deadline for expressions of interest is January 31, 2024, end of day.
Join us on April 18-19, 2024, for the Technology Governance Policy Challenge—where ideas become policies and students become leaders.