In an era where artificial intelligence shapes every aspect of our digital lives, a critical challenge persists: the uneven distribution of AI governance expertise globally. Today, we're excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership that aims to change this reality.
Empowering tomorrow's digital leaders
HewardMills is proud to collaborate with UC Berkeley's prestigious College of Computing, Data Science, and Society (CDSS) Discovery Program on an innovative initiative designed to provide AI literacy training to underserved Data Protection Authorities and Data Protection Officers worldwide.
This isn't just another training program—it's a mission-driven effort to create more equitable access to essential knowledge about AI governance. By combining HewardMills' global data protection expertise with the research excellence of UC Berkeley student teams, we're developing accessible, culturally relevant training materials that address the unique challenges faced by regulators in emerging economies.
Why this partnership matters
The Berkeley CDSS Discovery Program has an impressive track record, having supported over 1,000 partner projects while providing UC Berkeley students with real-world research experiences. Their mission to "incubate and accelerate high-impact research across academic, government, non-profit, and industry projects" aligns perfectly with our values as a certified B Corporation.
As AI regulations continue to evolve at a breakneck speed, many jurisdictions lack the necessary resources and expertiseto develop robust governance frameworks. This creates a dangerous digital divide where some regions enjoy comprehensive AI oversight while others remain vulnerable to potential harms.
Building inclusive digital futures
Our collaboration addresses this challenge head-on by:
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Creating culturally relevant training frameworks that respect local contexts and regulatory environments
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Leveraging student innovation to develop fresh approaches to complex governance challenges
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Focusing on capacity building in regions that need it most
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Establishing sustainable knowledge-sharing networks between jurisdictions
This initiative goes beyond a training program—it's an investment in global digital equity and the responsible development of AI.
The road ahead
As we embark on this exciting journey, we're reminded that meaningful change happens when purpose-driven organisations come together around shared values. The intersection of academic excellence, student innovation, and practical expertise creates powerful opportunities for social impact.
We'll be sharing regular updates on our progress, insights from our research, and stories from the field as this initiative unfolds. 
