Hey. I'm Mark.
I'm an Ottawa-based policy wonk working on the issues that arise where government and technology collide. You might remember me from such endeavours as the Policy Crunch, the Future Forum or from my public commentary on technology policy.
On this site, you can learn more about me and my work, including background, writings, presentations, and other assorted musings. If you want to know more or think we should work together on something, give me a shout!
EXPERIENCE
2017-Today
Senior Researcher
The Institute on Governance
Research, consulting, speaking, training and all manner of policy jujitsu at a prominent Ottawa think tank. Focused on technology policy, particularly for digital and other disruptive technologies. Government transformation and industrial policy for ICT, including artificial intelligence.
2018-Today
Board Member
The Canadian International Council - NCR
Volunteer board member with the CIC (the Canadian equivalent of Chatham House) hosting public events and closed-door conversations on issues related to diplomacy and international affairs.
2016-2018
PhD Researcher
The Munk School of Global Affairs (University of Toronto)
Researcher with the Creating Digital Opportunities project out of the Munk School's Innovation Policy Lab. Innovation policy and the digital economy, including on government policy for innovation intermediaries, like business incubators and accelerators.
2014-2016
Research Associate
The Conference Board of Canada
Research and policy advice on innovation policy, the digital economy and human capital policy at an Ottawa think tank (not actually a conference company). Assorted program evaluation. Loooots of writing and also, ok fine, some conferences too.
2008-2013
Policy Analyst
The Canadian Transportation Agency
Several different kinds of policy analyst working on regulatory analysis and risk-based monitoring for transportation systems under the federal mandate. Data cruncher, policy entrepreneur and wonk in training.
EDUCATION
2016-2018
Some of a PhD
University of Toronto
Working on a PhD in political science on the subject of regulating the global digital economy, or at least when I can find the time! Ostensibly ongoing, but a frequent victim the ongoing battle between the urgent and the important.
2013-2015
Master's Degree
Carleton University
Political economy. Dissertation on innovation policy as it pertains to defence spending. Ongoing side project to turn this into a book called "Towards a Political Economy of Military Spending" or at least until a publisher changes the name :o). Some time with UN-ESCAP in Bangkok
2006-2011
Bachelor's Degree
University of Ottawa
Political science. Wayward public servant, sometimes full time sometimes part time. Policy wonk in Delhi. Researcher with Ekos Research. Intern at Parliament of Canada. Frat boy. Francophile enthusiatique.
EXPERTISE
Artificial Intelligence Policy
Probably one of my better known talents. I do my part to help untangle the complicated issues of how we govern (or try to govern) the increasing autonomy of machines and their software. Its no easy task, but complicated problems like this are some of the most exciting!
Digital Government
The digital age poses a challenge to the status quo of government operations, but with any challenge comes opportunity and many of us are collectively helping to redefine government through technology. Practically speaking, this looks like a lot of bureaucracy hacking, writing on public administration and boiling the ocean of culture change in government.
Innovation Policy
A little known fact is that classic innovation policy (the pathway from research to development and ultimately commercialization) is my first policy love. I got into AI policy and digital government from having specialized in innovation policy for digital technology sector and am still passionate about innovation policy today.
Writing
The Evolution of Business Incubators and Accelerators in Canada: A Review of CAIP
(Institute on Governance)
Accelerating Growth: Canadian Funding Policy for Innovation Intermediaries
(University of Toronto)
Services
Consulting
I often advise on issues of emerging technologies and policy, mostly for government but sometimes also for those outside of government who looking for greater certainty about where we might be going. If you have questions, I can offer answers.