The lessons of COVID-19 apply to cybersecurity, too, and we must learn them
As security experts know, one of the biggest areas of risk is simple human nature. Consider that it was accepted wisdom that a global pandemic was a matter of when, not if. But in the face of so many competing, pressing, or timely priorities, it’s hardly surprising that pandemic planning sat at the bottom of […]
Here’s how AI can help, and is already helping, Canada fight COVID-19
The federal government has signed a contract with BlueDot, a Toronto-based digital health firm that was vaunted for its early identification of the COVID-19 outbreak, to track the spread of the virus, the latest tool in the artificial intelligence toolbox being deployed against the public health crisis. “The Government of Canada, through the Public Health […]
Canada needs to own critical IP and data assets to inspire generational economic prosperity
Artificial intelligence (AI) and 5G are infrastructure layers for future technologies: 5G enables collection and use of data while AI unlocks the ability to extract value from that data. For Canada’s economic prosperity, we need strategic stewardship of Canada’s investment in these technologies. And that stewardship starts with Canadian firms owning the innovation assets—intellectual property […]
Speeding up on the information highway: Canada’s drive towards 5G is not designed for its citizens
At this historic moment, we are all seeking some comfort and normality. Over the years, we got used to video-conferencing with family, friends, and colleagues, streaming our favourite series and video games, taking part in online fitness classes, ordering groceries, and asking for health counselling online. In times of COVID-19, however, we have come to […]
The undeniable AI-5G convergence
Current COVID-19-related events and responses demonstrate the interconnectedness of our world. A virus that began in China has spread to more than 100 countries in a matter of weeks. From a technology point of view, connectivity is global and omnipresent—and 5G will take connectivity to a level that has never been seen before in human […]
Here’s how to start the national effort on cybersecurity
I’ve worked in cybersecurity for most of my professional life. What’s concerning to me is how we’ve come to accept cyberattacks as just an inconvenient fact of life. Many now see the risk of a damaging hack much like the weather or the economy: something to be concerned about, to be sure, but unlikely to […]
The Canadian mandate: data governance for economic prosperity
The ministerial mandate letters are clear: there is a need to establish a new set of online rights focused on data use for Canadians. Three ministers in particular are charged with the main task of co-ordinating these new rights: innovation, science, and industry; heritage; and justice. Why such a focus on data? Simply put, there […]
‘Data, privacy, trade’: ministers tasked with AI file contending with fast, fundamental changes
From new ice forecasting techniques that help improve shipping safety in northern waters, to new tools involved with the reclamation of ancient Indigenous languages, to social media “chatbots” that respond to general questions about immigration and citizenship, the Canadian government is increasingly turning toward automated tools to solve tough problems, improve predictions, and cut down […]
How businesses can narrow the innovation gap in an AI-driven digital economy
Canada is pushing the new digital frontiers with cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) research. Signs of an unfolding AI-driven digital economy can be seen almost everywhere: from lively labs and hubs with deep-learning researchers and high-tech startups in Toronto, Montréal, and other places, to the growing concentration of animated commentators, data scientists, venture capitalists, and global […]
Understanding IP and data key skills for leaders in the intangible economy
Generating and protecting data and intellectual property (IP) are critical to business success in today’s innovation and data-driven economy. Today, more than 90 per cent of the value of the S&P 500 is intangible assets. Increasingly then, company value rests in IP and other intangible assets rather than in tangibles like real estate or machinery […]
