Digital Policy Management
Dates
May 26-30, 2025
Length of Course
5 days
Delivery Method
Online
Cost
$625 CAD
Executive certificate: $2,750
This course is offered as part of Pathway 2 of the Executive Certificate in Governance and Innovation in the Age of Intangibles,
a 5-week program with micro-credentials on Digital Transformation or Digital Public Policy.
The course is also available to be taken separately by interested participants.
About
Overview: The module discusses the development, implementation, and evaluation of digital policies to govern the responsible development and use of technology in public and private sectors. It will explore how digital policies can shape innovation, protect rights, and address challenges such as data privacy, national/international security, and digital equity. The module offers the skills needed to craft and manage policies that technological advancements are aligned with ethical, social, and regulatory considerations.
Takeaways: Participants will understand the foundational component and processes of digital policy management. They will also learn how to plan and implement policies that promote innovation while developing strategies to evaluate policy impact and adapt to evolving technological landscapes.
Topics of Discussion:
- Foundations of digital policy: principles, processes, and best practices
- Policy frameworks for effective management of challenges, such as data privacy, public security, and digital equity
- Identifying management methods for evaluating and iterating digital policies to remain effective and relevant as technology evolves
- Active engagement of divers stakeholder in policy development by fostering collaboration and consensus
- Identifying successful digital policy management initiatives and lessons learned from existing examples and scenarios
Instructor
Ann Fitz-Gerald became the Director of the Balsillie School of International Affairs in August 2019 and has led the School’s “Technology Governance Initiative” since 2023. She has degrees in both commerce and political science from Queen’s University, and was the first civilian female to graduate from the Royal Military College of Canada. Before completing a PhD in the UK, she worked at the Pearson Peacekeeping Centre, NATO headquarters, and the North Atlantic Assembly. She has worked at King’s College, London University and Cranfield University, where, before her move back to Canada, she was Director, Defence and Security Leadership at Cranfield’s Defence Academy of the United Kingdom campus. Ann is a Senior Research Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, a Senior Fellow at the Institute for Peace and Diplomacy, a Fellow at McLaughlin College, York University and has served/still serves on a number of non-executive boards and in advisory roles for the British Government, the United Nations and the African Union. Ann is widely published on issues concerning the governance of national security and has helped facilitate national security policies and strategies in a number of conflict-affected countries including Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Sudan, Ukraine, Sierra Leone, Nepal, Serbia, Nigeria and others. She has also supported internationally-sponsored peace talks, including the Sudan-South Sudan peace talks led by former South African President Thabo Mbeki - efforts for which the Government of Canada awarded Ann with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal. In December 2024, Ann was recognized for her leadership of the Balsillie School of International Affairs and awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
Format
Course Delivery:
The course is delivered virtually through the BEI-net. The module includes:
- A total of 5 online learning hours over the course of the week, including pre-recorded sessions (3 hours) and a live case study exercise facilitated by the module leader (2 hours)
- Office hours for module instructor support
- Access to supporting material, recommended readings and interactive learning
Course Assessment:
The module includes a live case study discussion via Zoom scheduled for Friday, 1:30-3pm. This online case study exercise brings participants together to practice critical analysis and problem solving, while also giving them the opportunity to network and discuss ideas with like-minded peers.
During this session, participants will be divided into groups to discuss the selected case study further, enriching their project-based learning experience. They will be assessed based on a one-page submission responding to a task that applies module learning objectives to the case study context, which will be due shortly after the module ends.
Audience
This module of the Executive Certificate in Governance and Innovation in the Age of Intangibles is designed for all levels of professionals driving digital transformation, policy-making, and governance initiatives. The course is particularly valuable for civil servants, lawmakers, civil society leaders, scholars, and graduate students committed to shaping digital governance strategies and policies.