Innovative Projects Realized

Assessing the Alignment Between Proposals for the International Governance of Artificial Intelligence and the Common-Pool Resource Governance Framework

This project will evaluate the extent to which prominent international AI governance frameworks align with the common-pool resources (CPR) governance framework; its execution will consist in semi-structured interviews with experts and extensive literature review. The project aims to clarify how well-suited existing international AI governance proposals are to addressing the collective action problems marring international AI development. This clarification is a step towards mitigating these collective action problems and the risks they entail, as it will provide direction for how these proposals ought to be adapted. My research will also recommend policy outcomes to address current proposals’ blindspots, which will contribute to existing policy goals for international AI governance that may then be vetted by researchers and implemented into future international AI governance policy.
This project is directly aligned with the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) Digital Policy Hub’s core research focus on AI. One dimension of the CPR framework is the extent to which those associated with a common-pool resource are included in decisions about its governance—that is, CPR governance ought essentially to be democratic. In this sense, one criterion by which I will evaluate proposals is their consistency with democratic principles. To this extent, and considering my project’s focus on risks from AI systems, my research is also aligned with the hub’s research focus on democracy and security.

Demande SSE | Anne-Sophie Perras

Ce projet de recherche présente des avantages significatifs et des répercussions potentielles importantes pour le Canada, tant au niveau de l’industrie que de la société en général. En fournissant une analyse détaillée de l’impact des places de marché telles qu’Amazon et Facebook Marketplace, le projet vise à offrir des stratégies concrètes permettant aux entreprises canadiennes de maximiser leur performance sur ces plateformes. Cette initiative aidera à renforcer la compétitivité des fabricants et détaillants québécois et canadiens sur le marché mondial, stimulant ainsi la croissance économique et l’innovation dans le secteur du commerce électronique.

Emerging Military Technologies and Outer Space Governance

Project Ploughshares internships on Emerging Military Technologies and Space Security Governance

Investigating cellulose nanocrystal blends with PLA

Non-renewable fossil fuel derived plastics are ubiquitous in modern society, leading to negative environmental impacts. Urgent action is needed to reduce our societal reliance on these plastic products. The use of bio-based and/or biodegradable thermoplastics such as poly(lactic acid) (PLA) could be a potential solution, however these materials typically have limited mechanical strength, hindering their practical use in industrial applications. This research project aims to use cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) – sustainable hydrophilic rod-shaped particles prepared from cellulose, the most abundant natural polymer on Earth – as a reinforcing and nucleating agent for PLA blends. Although CNCs have been previously investigated as reinforcing agents for PLA blends, this typically requires blending with harmful organic solvents or other non-sustainable compatibilization approaches to encourage good CNC dispersion within relatively hydrophobic PLA matrices. Herein, we aim to explore sustainable and scalable compatibilization strategies for preparing effective CNC PLA blends with improved mechanical and crystallization properties.

L2M – Drone-based Search and Rescue (SAR) in Dense Forests

The “Drone-Based Search and Rescue (SAR) System in Dense Forests” project aims to transform SAR operations using a coordinated swarm of drones equipped with advanced computer vision and machine learning algorithms. These drones, launched from DJI dock stations and connected via Starlink satellite technology, will efficiently locate missing persons in densely forested areas. By processing real-time aerial footage and ensuring constant data transfer through Starlink, the project minimizes the need for human SAR teams in hazardous environments, enhancing safety and mission outcomes.

The project’s Market research will focus on swarm SAR operations in forests and swarm forest data gathering and inventory. The project explores the latest drone technologies, computer vision, machine learning algorithms, and optimal trajectory planning for enhanced efficiency and safety in SAR operations. For forest data gathering, drones will provide accurate information on tree species, height, and Diameter at Breast Height (DBH), supporting sustainable forestry management. Analyzing market trends, technological advancements, and potential industry partnerships will help identify opportunities and challenges in deploying drone swarms for these applications.

Supported by Springboard Atlantic and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), the project bridges academia and industry, fostering innovation in Atlantic Canada. It addresses regional innovation challenges by enhancing R&D collaboration, accelerating technology commercialization, and showcasing technological advancements in sectors like cleantech and agrifood. The project’s versatility extends beyond SAR to forest monitoring, wildfire protection, habitat conservation, agricultural monitoring, infrastructure inspection, and emergency response, highlighting its potential to address various environmental and safety challenges, contributing to regional priorities and sustainable development.

L2M – AI-Driven Subsea Video Enhancement with Advanced Filtering for Improved Visibility in Challenging Underwater Conditions

This project aims to enhance subsea video quality for improved underwater visual inspection and analysis, crucial for industries like offshore oil and gas, marine research, underwater construction, and maritime security. Leveraging advanced AI and machine learning techniques, we will address challenges like water turbidity, light attenuation, and visual distortions in underwater images. Through the Lab2Market Validate program and the Mitacs Business Strategy internship, we aim to develop commercially viable solutions tailored to the unique conditions of the Atlantic Ocean. This collaboration will help bridge the gap between innovative academic research and practical applications, enhancing the safety and efficiency of underwater operations and creating valuable commercialization opportunities for advanced technological research.

Upgraded: Strategic Innovations in B2B Communication

The partner organization specializes in providing core funding, grants, and finance and tax strategy consulting services. Despite their robust service offerings, they face significant challenges that go beyond day-to-day business operations, particularly in effectively connecting with potential clients and expanding their market reach.
The primary innovation challenge the organization needs to solve is creating more effective pathways to connect potential clients with their services. This involves generating leads, organizing marketing data and strategies, and increasing brand awareness in a way that transcends routine business activities.
This project aims to address these challenges by developing innovative B2B outreach strategies that extend beyond the organization’s regular operations. By implementing advanced marketing techniques and leveraging digital tools, the project will streamline client acquisition processes and significantly enhance the efficiency of their marketing efforts. Key initiatives will include:
– Creating targeted marketing campaigns tailored to specific client segments
– Optimizing customer relationship management (CRM) systems to improve client interaction and retention
– Utilizing data analytics to refine and adjust marketing strategies in real-time
The expertise required to solve this problem includes proficiency in digital marketing, data analytics, CRM optimization, and strategic marketing planning. By filling these gaps, the project will not only address the current challenges but also position the partner organization for sustained growth and improved client engagement in the long term.

Eco-Friendly Agriculture Solutions Analysis

This project will help the partner organization evaluate energy efficiency in agricultural production challenges by analyzing cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices that go beyond current day-to-day operations for food production. Through a high-level project investigating market demands, operational requirements, potential technologies and local impacts, the project will help the organization better understand policy and identify practical opportunities and limitations in pursuing the construction of an eco-friendly agricultural park. This project will also build support for investment to deliver agricultural production supported by elements like waste-to-energy processes suitable for cold climates.

Demande SSE | Cynthia Lin

L’objectif principal de ce projet de recherche est d’analyser de manière approfondie l’impact de l’intégration de l’intelligence artificielle dans les moteurs de recherche sur les comportements de recherche des utilisateurs et les stratégies de marketing numérique. Nous visons à identifier comment ces innovations technologiques transforment les dynamiques de recherche en ligne et influencent les pratiques des agences de marketing numérique.

Demande SSE | Alexa Victor

Le projet qu’Alexa entreprendra avec nous aura non seulement un impact dans notre organisation, mais aussi pour les nombreuses entreprises locales d’ici (PME), puisqu’il est important dans le contexte économique actuel de tirer profit des solutions créatives existantes dans un but d’attraction de clientèle qualifiée. Il est impératif d’éviter de donner l’impression de vouloir sans cesse vendre de nouveaux produits alors que la créativité s’internalise de plus en plus pour des raisons de coupures budgétaires. La recherche proposée par Alexa permettra également à plusieurs entreprises de bénéficier de certains avantages dont de meilleures tactiques concernant le processus d’optimisation créatif dans toute entreprise.

Developing integrated multi-channel marketing campaigns for national expansion

pointA is a not-for-profit organization that has grown its footprint over the last five years from serving workplaces across Ontario to the rest of the country. It is now accelerating its growth nationally to achieve its mission of reducing congestion by providing knowledge, support and incentives to employees and residents and encouraging them to try alternative, sustainable forms of transportation including carpooling, public transit, walking, cycling, and remote work. We will be leveraging the expertise at the University of Waterloo through the Global Business and Digital Arts program intern and faculty to develop and execute a comprehensive national marketing strategy that will help promote the organization across Canada and to increase the number of workplaces and partner organizations that pointA works with.

La propriété comme investissement: les acteurs de la financiarisation du marché du logement montréalais et leur discours

Cette année, selon les prévisions de la Société canadienne d’hypothèque et de logement, le coût moyen d’un appartement à Montréal augmentera de 10% ; comment expliquer l’avènement de ce que certains osent appeler une crise du logement ? Parmi tous les facteurs qui participent de l’emballement économique, le changement de la perception du logement, devenu un bien ordinaire et l’occasion d’investir pour une rare élite économique, est trop souvent négligé. Notre projet de recherche porte sur la multipropriété à Montréal et se penche sur le discours qui produit une justification morale et économique de l’investissement immobilier. Si la propriété immobilière a toujours été perçue comme un investissement stable et sécurisé, sa justification d’un point de vue économique est ambiguë : tout comme l’épargne, le patrimoine immobilier est souvent décrit par l’économie orthodoxe comme un « argent mort ». En nous appuyant sur des travaux récents de sociologues du logement et de l’économie, nous posons une question fondamentale : comment comprendre qu’un élément aussi crucial dans notre existence que le logement ait été progressivement appréhendé comme une marchandise ordinaire ?