As we close 2022, I welcome CIGI’s fourth president, Paul Samson. Paul brings 30 years of global experience and leadership on an impressive range of policy issues, including the digital transformation of the global economy.
Over the past few years, CIGI’s research has intentionally shifted its focus toward technology governance, big data, platform governance, digital standards, artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity. We will continue CIGI’s trajectory toward tackling global governance issues — security, economic and geopolitical — from a cross-cutting digital perspective.
At the same time, I thank our outgoing president, Rohinton P. Medhora, for his many contributions in the role over the last 10 years. Most recently, he led work with The Lancet and Financial Times Commission on Governing Health Futures that identified new approaches to health data. And, as chair of Ontario’s Workforce Recovery Advisory Committee, he impacted policy shifts in the province, including new rights for gig economy workers.
CIGI’s work on intellectual property (IP) has led to significant developments, including in the Province of Ontario — Senior Fellow Karima Bawa was named as the first chair of the new Intellectual Property Ontario agency created to help researchers and companies maximize the value of their IP. It is a model that other jurisdictions within Canada and around the world should adopt.
Our focus on data and digital governance continues to expand partnerships, including, most recently, with the Omidyar Network.
Shifting geopolitics, security crises, the global pandemic and technology-driven trade disputes have challenged our institutions. CIGI’s drive toward a new digital architecture will be a fundamental part of the global response.
Jim Balsillie
Chair, CIGI Board of Directors