Public Policy – Balsillie Case Studies

Public Investment, Private Gain:
Canada’s Role in the mRNA Vaccine Breakthrough

Natalie Raffoul and Sarah Hamm
This case study examines Canada’s under-recognized yet foundational role in the development of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. Despite its substantial public investment in this technology, Canada failed to secure direct benefits or timely vaccine access for its citizens.

Public Investment, Private Gain:
Canada’s Role in the mRNA Vaccine Breakthrough Read More »

Was Nortel Worth More Dead than Alive?

Dan Ciuriak and Harry Deng
This case study explores the decision-making process that led to Nortel’s liquidation, raising questions about industrial policy, technology sovereignty, and the role of anchor firms in innovation ecosystems.

Was Nortel Worth More Dead than Alive? Read More »

Contact Tracing or Constitutional Creep?
South Korea’s High-Tech Pandemic Gamble

Barry Appleton
This case study analyzes South Korea’s pioneering yet controversial use of digital contact tracing during COVID-19. Set against the backdrop of the Itaewon outbreak in May 2020, the case raises urgent questions about surveillance, rights and democratic accountability.

Contact Tracing or Constitutional Creep?
South Korea’s High-Tech Pandemic Gamble Read More »

Privacy vs. Public Good: Canada’s Data Dilemma in a Crisis

Florian Kerschbaum
The case of data sharing between Telus and the Public Health Authority of Canada (PHAC) highlights the challenges in privacy legislation. On the one hand, data sharing can have life-saving benefits. On the other hand, data sharing has serious privacy implications that must be balanced with sufficient safeguards.

Privacy vs. Public Good: Canada’s Data Dilemma in a Crisis Read More »

Digital Sovereignty vs. Trade Liberalization: India’s Algorithm Disclosure Dilemma

Barry Appleton
This case explores India’s dilemma at the intersection of algorithmic governance, digital sovereignty and international trade.

Digital Sovereignty vs. Trade Liberalization: India’s Algorithm Disclosure Dilemma Read More »

Consent, Pay or Settle: Meta’s Struggle for Staying Profitable in the European Union

Lex Zard
Meta’s shift from the dual option of the “consent-or-pay” model to the triple option of personalized ads, subscription with no ads, and less personalized ads, highlights the challenges of balancing consumer privacy and profitability in digital markets.

Consent, Pay or Settle: Meta’s Struggle for Staying Profitable in the European Union Read More »

Can Real-Time Metrics Fill China’s Data Gap?

Danielle Goldfarb
Can AI and satellite images help governments and global institutions refute or confirm China’s official picture and gather more timely intelligence?

Can Real-Time Metrics Fill China’s Data Gap? Read More »

Spain’s Solar Gamble:
Lessons in Governance from a Policy Gone Wrong

Münür Sacit Herdem
This case study examines the experience of Spain’s solar PV policy from boom to bust and analyzes the gaps between the policy’s ambitious goals and its implementation.

Spain’s Solar Gamble:
Lessons in Governance from a Policy Gone Wrong Read More »

The Challenges of Attributing Information Operation Attacks: The RRM Experience

Wesley Wark
In October 2023, the Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM), a unit of Global Affairs Canada, issued a rare public announcement, stating that dozens of Canadian members of Parliament (MPs) were targets of a disinformation campaign.

The Challenges of Attributing Information Operation Attacks: The RRM Experience Read More »

Evaluating Ownership: Intellectual Property in Canada

James W. Hinton, Ethan Ellsmere
Shopify is in a billion-dollar battle. Often described as the darling of the Canadian tech sector, the Ottawa-born firm’s explosive growth has propelled it to the forefront of the digital merchant space and into direct confrontation with Amazon.

Evaluating Ownership: Intellectual Property in Canada Read More »