Skip to the main content
Advising Governments
Past Project

Advising Governments

Through this project, we assist – in collaboration with the Global Network of Centers – policy-makers and decision-makers working in governments across the globe, particularly in the Majority World, in dealing with pressing challenges related to innovative digital technologies (including AI, XR, Quantum Computing, and the Metaverse). We place a particular emphasis on translating existing policies and best practices into actionable outputs and implementation projects in the public interest.

Some of the resources we provide to policy-makers and decision-makers that we collaborate with are the following:

  • Development of initial capacities through the elaboration of reports, workshops, and public innovation spaces.
  • Transfer of knowledge on new technologies, technical expertise, and their impact on governments.
  • Design of plans, strategies, regulatory frameworks, or specific public policies related to innovative technologies.
  • Provide access to tools to accelerate the implementation of policy initiatives related to innovative technologies.
  • Design of coordination mechanisms and governance models to achieve the development of technology projects in the public sector.
  • Training and knowledge transfer programs with public officials and government leaders.
  • Facilitate spaces for effective participation and involvement with various stakeholders in the technology sector.
  • Promote collaboration with international organizations, development banks, and international cooperation funds.

 

Current government (a-z) efforts include:

  • Brazil: members of our center have been actively working on the development of the generative AI regulatory sandbox with the Brazilian Data Protection Authority (ANPD). The purpose of this sandbox is to analyze the impact of generative AI systems in personal data processing in Brazil. The project will analyze how the general data protection law from Brazil will be applied to data protection processing, especially on requirements regarding data access transparency. We have provided support to develop this project and design the sandbox space. Contact person: Armando Guio.
  • Chile. We are supporting the Chilean Ministry of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation in the development and implementation of policies aimed at the promotion of talent for the deployment of AI systems. Contact people: Armando Guio & Lionel Brossi.
  • France. We are mapping and discussing available technological approaches to address some of the most pressing contemporary child safety issues. Contact person: Sandra Cortesi.
  • Switzerland. This effort, brought together by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, seeks to explore the concept of digital self-determination and what it means when looked at through different use cases and translated into practice. Contact person: Lis Sylvan
  • Thailand. Appointed by the Executive Director of the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA) several BKC staff and community members have been invited to join the newly formed International Policy Advisory Panel. The International Policy Advisory Panel has been created as a capacity for knowledge creation and exchange concerning a variety of policy and governance issues related to the digital transformation of society with an initial emphasis on policy and governance issues in the realm of digital finance, health, and government services. Contact people: Urs Gasser & Sandra Cortesi.

 

Past governments (a-z) efforts include:

  • Colombia. We have contributed to high-impact projects through the AI Expert Mission, a group of scholars and experts convened by former President Ivan Duque. These include interventions aimed at attracting talent to develop AI technologies in Colombia, innovative multi-stakeholder models to proactively manage how AI shapes the future of work in the region, and recommendations for how AI can be leveraged to promote ecological sustainability. We also helped create several products and initiatives that will continue to lay the groundwork for AI development in Colombia that will benefit all its citizens. For example,  we drafted the Ethical Framework for AI in Colombia, incubated a national AI Policy Lab, and created a learning platform to equip Colombian people with AI skills and knowledge. Read more about this effort here. Contact person: Sandra Cortesi.
  • Finland (Helsinki). One of our flagship educational programs brought together a diverse group of people to analyze a real-world use case at the intersection of AI, education, and ethics. Read more about this effort here. Contact person: Lis Sylvan.
  • Germany. In 2018, former German Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel appointed a group of nine scholars and practitioners, including then-BKC executive director Urs Gasser, to the German Digital Council. The Center developed a report with main lessons learned from this experience and outcomes of this collaboration with the German government. Read more about this effort here. Contact person: Urs Gasser.

Featured Publications 03

Jun 5, 2023

Generative AI: What Should Governments in Latin America Do?

Six Specific Measures

Six specific measures that can help governments and decision-makers in Latin America to develop a clear roadmap for navigating this complex environment.

Apr 28, 2021

German Digital Council: An ‘Inside-Out’ Case Study

Report offers window into innovative expert council model

German Chancellor Angela Merkel appointed a group to bring a digital mindset into government

Jul 1, 2024

Operation Regulation: Strengthening Latin America’s AI Governance

Despite the challenges AI poses to democratic stability in Latin America, the region lacks stringent regulation. To bolster AI governance, the EU, a leader in AI regulation,…


Our Work 12

News
May 23, 2023

Co-Designing Generative Futures: A Global Conversation About AI

BKC hosted an international workshop to address the opportunities and challenges of generative AI...

News
Aug 24, 2022

Recommendations for the U.S. National Action Plan on Responsible Business Conduct in the Technology Sector

Takeaways from a recent Consultation on Ethical and Rights-Respecting Technology for the National Action Plan on Responsible Business Conduct

Takeaways from a recent Consultation on Ethical and Rights-Respecting Technology for the National Action Plan on Responsible Business Conduct in collaboration with the Global…

News
Aug 8, 2022

BKC Scholars Helped Guide Colombia's AI Policy Implementation as Part of the Country's 'AI Expert Mission'

The AI Expert Mission to the Republic of Colombia, appointed by President Iván Duque, concluded its work in July 2022 after nine months of service and collaboration across…

News
Aug 12, 2021

A New Approach to Experiential Learning: Scholars inform the City of Helsinki on ethical AI applications for schools during BKC’s AI Policy Research Clinic

Specialized global team of early career scholars examine ways to use AI technology to support public school students and teachers

A recap of BKC's AI Policy Research Clinic held in the summer of 2021

Apr 28, 2021

German Digital Council: An ‘Inside-Out’ Case Study

Report offers window into innovative expert council model

German Chancellor Angela Merkel appointed a group to bring a digital mindset into government

News
Jan 22, 2021

Summary Report of Expert Roundtable on Colombia’s Draft AI Ethical Framework

Lens on Youth Issues

Key takeaways from an expert roundtable offering feedback on Colombia’s draft “Ethical Framework for Artificial Intelligence in Colombia.”

News
Dec 17, 2020

Some Reflections on the Role of Government in Trustworthy AI

Urs Gasser shares his remarks from the Launch Event of Colombia’s AI Ethics Framework.

News
Dec 17, 2020

Video: Development of Colombia's AI Ethics Framework

A short video on BKC Policy Practice: AI’s work with the Colombian government on its AI ethics framework, an implementation of Colombia’s national AI policy.

News
Dec 17, 2020

Q&A: Armando Guio Español on AI Ethics and Policy

BKC affiliate drafted Ethical Framework for Artificial Intelligence in Colombia

BKC affiliate drafted Ethical Framework for Artificial Intelligence in Colombia

News
Dec 17, 2020

BKC Policy Practice on AI Hosts Expert Review of Colombia’s AI Ethical Framework with Focus on Youth

Colombia President Iván Duque Márquez launches AI framework; BKC’s Urs Gasser delivers keynote

Colombia President Iván Duque Márquez launches AI framework; BKC’s Urs Gasser delivers keynote

News
Aug 17, 2020

International Dialogue on “The Ethics of Digitalisation” Kicks Off in Berlin

BKC Joins German President, HIIG, Digital Asia Hub, and NoC to Launch Global Interdisciplinary Research on Digital Transformation and Policy

We are pleased to announce a new joint project by the Global Network of Internet & Society Centers (NoC) exploring ”The Ethics of Digitalisation: From Principles to Practice.”…

News
Nov 5, 2019

German President Steinmeier discusses digital technology ethics at BKC event

The President of Germany, Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, joined the Berkman Klein Center for a special event


Community 03

European Council on Foreign Relations

Operation Regulation: Strengthening Latin America’s AI Governance

By assisting Latin America in developing robust AI regulations, the EU can promote a cohesive global approach to AI governance, argues Victor Muñoz.

Aug 1, 2024

Generative AI: What should governments in Latin-America do?

Elisabeth Sylvan and Armando Guio Español propose measures to help governments in Latin America respond to generative AI...

May 17, 2023
The Harvard Gazette

The long, deep ties between Harvard and Germany

BKC Executive Director Urs Gasser serves on Angela Merkel’s German Digital Council

May 21, 2019

People 22

Point of Contact

Sandra Cortesi

Faculty Associate

Team

Urs Gasser

Director

Lionel Brossi

Faculty Associate

Christian Fieseler

Faculty Associate

Victor Munoz

Affiliate

Kerstin Vokinger

Faculty Associate

Community

Beatriz Botero Arcila

Faculty Associate

Danil Kerimi

Affiliate

Nagla Rizk

Faculty Associate

Bruce Schneier

Faculty Associate