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IVI Webinar Series: From Data Policy to Practice: Bridging the Gap

by | Sep 27, 2024 | Webinars | 0 comments

From Data Policy to Practice: Bridging the Gap

Thursday 21st November 3-4.30pm (GMT)

Online Event

In the rapidly expanding global data and AI landscape, national and international policies shape the framework for data management and usage, but the divide between policy creation and real-world execution often poses a critical challenge. In our upcoming webinar, From Data Policy to Practice: Bridging the Gap, we will take an in-depth look at this crucial intersection, focusing specifically on the policy gaps that arise and exploring the steps needed to close these gaps effectively.

Policymakers at all levels face the difficult task of drafting comprehensive legislation, such as the Data Act and AI Act, that sets standards for data sharing, security, and privacy. However, ensuring that these policies are actionable and implementable across diverse sectors, industries, and regions requires more than just legislation—it demands practical frameworks, cross-sector collaboration, and tools for enforcement.

 

This webinar will explore the common gaps between policy creation and practical execution, particularly focusing on:

  • Government-Level Policies: How national governments and agencies can better align policy objectives with the tools and resources needed for effective on-the-ground implementation.
  • International Coordination: With data being shared across borders, the need for synchronised global frameworks is more urgent than ever. We’ll look at the challenges international bodies face in ensuring their policies are both adaptable and enforceable across different jurisdictions.
  • Bridging National and International Goals: How national interests can align with global regulations, such as the EU’s Data Act and the AI Act, to create a unified approach to data governance.

 

We’ll discuss how public and private stakeholders can work together to create cohesive policies that not only outline the “what” but also guide the “how” of implementation.

Key takeaways from the webinar:

  • Insights into the gaps between high-level policy creation and on-the-ground execution, specifically within government and international contexts.
  • Strategies for strengthening the connection between legislation and its practical rollout, ensuring compliance across sectors.
  • A deeper understanding of how national and international bodies can improve collaboration to develop more seamless, executable policies.
  • Discussion of potential frameworks or solutions that could help address the existing disconnect between policy design and operational reality.
Register Here

Chair

Director of Data & Technology in Coimisiún na Meán

Dr. Angela McCourt
Director of Data & Technology in Coimisiún na Meán

Dr. Angela McCourt

Dr. Angela McCourt is an accomplished data professional with a Ph.D. in Statistics. She is the Director of Data & Technology in Coimisiún na Meán. Throughout her career, Angela has held significant positions in various public sector bodies, including Dublin City Council, the Health Service Executive, and the Central Statistics Office. In these roles, she has made substantial contributions to data governance, analytics, and privacy.
 At the HSE, Angela played a crucial role in COVID-19 data analysis, earning several awards for her work and co-authoring numerous publications. In her role at Coimisiún na Meán, Angela is responsible for overseeing all elements in the data lifecycle. Her expertise is crucial in implementing regulatory frameworks that ensure a safe and diverse media environment, shaping policies that protect public interests and promote media literacy.
 Angela’s career is distinguished by her dedication to fostering data-driven decision-making in organisations and her commitment to advancing the field of data analytics in public sector bodies in Ireland.

Speakers

Vice President and Director, Center for Data Innovation, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation

Daniel Castro
Head of Digital Economy Policy – Ibec

Erik O’Donovan
Head of Data Policy, Data Governance Unit, Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO), Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.

Annette Denvir
Scientific Project Officer, Digital Economy Unit, Joint Research Centre, European Commission

Eimear Farrell
Vice President and Director, Center for Data Innovation, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation

Daniel Castro

Daniel Castro is vice president at the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) and director of ITIF’s Center for Data Innovation.

Castro writes and speaks on a variety of issues related to information technology and internet policy, including privacy, security, intellectual property, Internet governance, e-government, and accessibility for people with disabilities. His work has been quoted and cited in numerous media outlets, including The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, NPR, USA Today, Bloomberg News, and Bloomberg Businessweek. In 2013, Castro was named to FedScoop’s list of the “top 25 most influential people under 40 in government and tech.” In 2015, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker appointed Castro to the Commerce Data Advisory Council.

Castro previously worked as an IT analyst at the Government Accountability Office (GAO) where he audited IT security and management controls at various government agencies. He contributed to GAO reports on the state of information security at a variety of federal agencies, including the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. In addition, Castro was a visiting scientist at the Software Engineering Institute in Pittsburgh, PA, where he developed virtual training simulations to provide clients with hands-on training of the latest information security tools.

He has a B.S. in foreign service from Georgetown University and an M.S. in information security technology and management from Carnegie Mellon University.

Head of Digital Economy Policy – Ibec

Erik O’Donovan

Erik has worked at a senior level with business, policy makers and regulators at national, EU and OECD levels for 25 years. Since 2016, he has led and provided cross-sectoral policy and representation services to Ibec networks in engaging national and international partners on digital and AI policy affairs. He represents Ibec on the Government’s Enterprise Digital Advisory Forum (EDAF) and is a co-founder of the B(usiness)9+ Group, who engage the D(igital)9+ EU Ministers. With Ibec since 1999, he has held a range of senior roles including: the Brussels-based Head of Ibec Europe, Ibec’s permanent representation to EU institutions and stakeholders; energy; and the green transition. Previously worked in pharmaceutical industry. Interested in lifelong learning with third level qualifications in analytical science, environmental science, economic policy, European law, cyberpsychology, design thinking, digital policy and strategy.

Head of Data Policy, Data Governance Unit, Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO), Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.

Annette Denvir

With over 30 years of leadership experience in IT across the banking, education, and shared services sectors, Annette is a seasoned expert in data governance. As the Head of Data Policy at the OGCIO, she leads the development and implementation of data governance strategies, policies and standards. Annette is currently focused on development of the next phase of the Public Service Data Strategy.

Annette serves as a key advisor to the Data Governance Board and several Government committees dealing with the sharing of data. She is a member of the Data Sharing and the Data Safeguarding and Transparency Committees, along with several other Public Service committees. Responsible for the successful implementation of the Data Sharing and Governance Act 2019 and various initiatives outlined in the Public Service Data Strategy 2019-2023 Annette is focused on using data governance to deliver value to and from the Public Service.

Annette is a graduate of Queens University and the Honorable Society of King’s Inns.

Scientific Project Officer, Digital Economy Unit, Joint Research Centre, European Commission

Eimear Farrell

Eimear Farrell is a Scientific Project Officer at the EC Joint Research Centre, where she conducts research on AI and data ecosystems, with a particular focus on common EU data spaces, responsible data governance and digital ransformation of the public sector. Prior to this position, she led development of Ireland’s national AI strategy and has 20 years of experience across government, international organisations and civil society, including a decade shaping digital law and policy at the UN, World Economic Forum and Amnesty Tech.

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