Developing Countries’ Business Participation in the AI Economy

In this new paper, using a comparative case study approach, Douglas Lippoldt takes stock of the development of artificial intelligence (AI) start-ups engaged with G7 investors and investors from across 10 middle-income developing countries across Africa, Southeast Asia and Latin America.

Lippoldt considers the emerging investment AI ecosystems and policy and regulatory frameworks in each study country, reviewing dimensions from national strategies to implementation and enforcement. He notes that the “analysis underscores that while these developing countries are pursuing diverse strategies for AI development, they are also facing challenges in striving for regulatory convergence with major AI powers, which are themselves diverging on some issues, such as risk management.”

The paper uncovers “a positive story of comparatively modest but tangible AI sector developments on the ground in these countries” and concludes with several recommendations drawing on the findings.

Sep. 24 and Sep. 25 – 7:00 a.m. EDT (UTC–04:00):

Opportunities in digital finance are emerging in India and China and on the African continent.

Recent years have witnessed the rapid evolution of digital payment systems worldwide. The African continent, India and China have emerged as vibrant testing grounds for innovation — each charting unique paths to expand financial access, enhance transaction efficiency and explore new technologies, such as central bank digital currencies and blockchain. At the same time, geopolitical considerations and alternative payment infrastructures are reshaping the contours of international finance, challenging the dominance of traditional systems and the role of the US dollar.

Against this backdrop, CIGI is hosting a virtual conference to delve into the future of digital payments across these three regions, examining regulatory collaboration, global governance, financial inclusion and technical advancements in cross-border payments. The event will convene policy makers, industry experts, academics and civil society stakeholders to exchange insights, identify synergies and propose actionable policy solutions.

Registration is now open.

Calling researchers! We invite you to submit a policy brief abstract on a related policy area by July 18. Selected policy briefs will be hosted on the CIGI website and influence discussions at the conference, and recommendations from the briefs will form part of the conference report.

Learn more about the submission and selection process and key dates.

“Technological acceleration, geopolitical realignments and climate imperatives are collectively disrupting long-standing trade and industrial paradigms. For Canada, these shifts expose a persistent vulnerability: excessive dependence on the United States as its principal trade partner.”

In this op-ed, S. Yash Kalash writes that “Southeast Asia — through the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) — represents a critical yet underleveraged avenue for Canada’s next-generation trade strategy....deepening ties with ASEAN is both a timely and forward-looking imperative.”

Blaming the Trump administration for global instability oversimplifies deeper structural shifts, Raquel Garbers says.

In this op-ed first published by the Toronto Star, Garbers argues that “if the world were a simple place and hostile states not on the rise, this ‘blame Trump’ theory of international politics might be harmless. But we have entered a harsh new era, one all too reminiscent of the late 1930s, and navigating the challenges ahead will require serious-minded efforts to face difficult and inconvenient truths.”

Nov. 4 to Nov. 6 – 9:00 a.m. EST (UTC–05:00) – Ottawa: Registration for the 8th Annual IP Data and Research Conference is open! Co-hosted by the Canadian Intellectual Property Office, the World Intellectual Property Organization and CIGI, the conference will take place November 4–6.

Learn more and register here.

The hosts welcome submissions of proposals for research papers that have the potential to spark enriching conversations on this year’s theme, “IP Offices: A Catalyst for Innovation.”

Complete the presentation proposal form; the deadline for submission is July 15.