Digital Governance Frameworks

OnDemand

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Shape the rules of the digital age.

This self-paced module explores the frameworks that underpin effective digital governance, equipping professionals to design infrastructure that balances innovation, compliance, and societal values. Learn how to build scalable, rights-based systems that foster transparency and accountability—while supporting both public and private sector transformation in an era of rapid technological change.

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Overview

Module overview: This module examines frameworks and principles that lay the foundation for an effective governance of technology. The aim is to build a digital public infrastructure that supports transformation of the public and private sector as they adapt to the rapid advancements in digital technologies.

Takeaways: Participants will understand the key principles and frameworks that guide digital governance. They will also gain insights into designing, maintaining, and scaling digital governance infrastructure that maintains a meaningful relations between innovation, regulations compliance and societal values.

Topics of Discussion: 

  • Core principles of digital governance: transparency, accountability, and inclusivity
  • Designing technology governance frameworks: navigating legal and ethical framework and human rights in the age of transformative technology
  • Public-private partnerships in building governance frameworks: stakeholders, capitals, and capacity building
  • Strengthening democratic digital governance infrastructure: a right-based and rule-based approach

    • Instructors

    Barry AppletonBarry Appleton, FCIArb, is a leading expert in international economic law, investment treaty arbitration, and sovereign legal strategy. As Managing Partner of Appleton & Associates in Toronto and a Distinguished Senior Fellow at New York Law School’s Center for International Law, he advises governments and key sectors on navigating global trade, digital sovereignty, and geopolitical risk. He has played a central role in shaping investor-state arbitration, particularly under NAFTA, serving as lead counsel in precedent-setting cases and providing legal guidance in WTO and bilateral investment disputes. His counsel has been sought at the highest levels, including Ontario’s Cabinet Committee on NAFTA, and he continues to advise on national strategies addressing the weaponization of global trade.

    Prof. Appleton is also an influential educator, author, and policy advocate. He directs the American Bar Association’s TechCred program on technology dispute resolution and serves as Editor-in-Chief of *Investor-State Reports* (Thomson Reuters). He has authored major works such as *Navigating NAFTA* and frequently testifies before international and domestic bodies, including the U.S. Trade Representative and Canadian Parliamentary Committees. His expertise spans key areas such as energy, supply chains, intellectual property, and critical minerals. Holding degrees from Cambridge, Queen’s, and the University of Toronto, and admitted to practice in Ontario, New York, D.C., and before the U.S. Court of International Trade, Prof. Appleton is a trusted voice in asserting sovereign legal and economic agency in an era of global uncertainty.

    Maral NiaziMaral Niazi is a former Digital Policy Hub doctoral fellow and a Ph.D. student at the Balsillie School of International Affairs with a multidisciplinary background in political science, human rights, law and global governance. Her research with the Digital Policy Hub expanded on her doctoral research on the global governance of AI where she will examine the societal impacts of AI on humanity.

    Audience

    This module is designed for all levels of professionals driving digital transformation, policy-making, and governance initiatives. It was designed specifically for leaders in governance, equipping participants to develop impactful, ethical, and future-ready digital policy solutions.

    Format

    Course Delivery:

    The course is delivered virtually through the BEI-net. The module includes:

    • A total of three hours of pre-recorded sessions, divided into 30-45 minutes topical sub-sessions.
    • Access to supporting material, including recommended readings and flexible, self-directed exercises.
    • Access to discussion boards, giving participants the opportunity to engage with the module instructor and fellow participants through dedicated forums where questions, insights, and case reflections can be shared.

    Course Assessment:

    For those choosing the Executive Module or Executive Certificate options, participants will will be assessed based on a one-page submission responding to a task that applies module learning objectives to the case study context.

    Pricing

    Audit Only - $199

    • A high-level overview of the topic without the pressure of assessments.
    • No certificate is awarded.

    Executive Module - $299

    • Provides professional development in a targeted area.
    • Includes an assessment of the knowledge gathered through a response to a real-world application of the topic covered.
    • Upon successful completion, participants are awarded with a Certificate (badge).

    Executive Certificate - $1,299

    • Provides a broader foundation in innovation and intangible asset strategy, giving participants access to 5 modules from a curated selection.
    • Includes an assessment of the knowledge gathered through a response to a real-world application of the topic covered in each module.
    • Upon successful completion of all 5 modules, participants are awarded with a micro credential in Digital Policy Innovation.