ORGANIZATION
0- BACKGROUND
Enacting Adaptive Governance
The quintessence of Nexus Governance is the articulation of a theoretical and practical framework for the Global Centre for Risk and Innovation (GCRI), infusing the concepts of embodied cognition with emergent planetary governance systems to construct a foundational model that is synergistically human-centric and technologically fluent. By entwining neurocomputational insights with Earth system science and systemic innovation, GCRI delineates a conceptual model—the Nexus Ecosystem—where cognitive processes, environmental dynamics, and technological evolution converge to redefine risk management and innovation synthesis. It endeavors to reify a global governance paradigm that is predictive, participatory, and profoundly aligned with the complexities of Earth systems.
Embodied Governance in Global Risk Mitigation
Proposing a radical departure from static governance models, GCRI embraces an adaptive governance framework that extends beyond the mere processing of data. It hypothesizes a governance structure that is empathetically intertwined with the human condition, accommodating the richness of human sensory-motor experiences and blending this with the precision of algorithmic intelligence. GCRI prioritizes a governance structure that is human-responsive, integrating cognitive patterns and environmental stimuli into a cohesive strategy for global risk mitigation.
The Nexus as a Neurocomputational Ecosystem
Through the lens of neurocomputational theories, particularly predictive coding, the GCRI’s nexus governance model is conceptualized as an ecosystem continuously striving to minimize 'free energy' or predictive error. The Nexus Ecosystem is portrayed as a neurocognitive network that learns, adapts, and self-organizes—akin to the brain's hierarchical processing—thus enabling it to anticipate and mitigate risks through a recursive refinement of its internal models in response to external perturbations.
Systemic Resilience through Adaptation and Homeostasis
Nexus governance elucidates the GCRI's role in fostering systemic resilience, paralleling biological principles of homeostasis and allostasis. It envisages a global risk mitigation mechanism that possesses the inherent ability to adapt and reconfigure itself, thus maintaining systemic balance amidst the unpredictability of global change. The GCRI's adaptive governance mechanism draws from the collective wisdom embedded in both human and artificial systems, optimizing its response to environmental contingencies and societal needs.
Innovation within the Economic and Governance Ecosystem
The nexus governance represents a fertile milieu for innovation where the GCRI operates. It expands on the concept of a symbiotic economic model and advanced tokenomics that underlie a resilient, circular economy. These systems, underpinned by principles of plural theories such as quadratic voting, quadratic funding and zero-trust civic technology, create a dynamic feedback loop between innovation incentives and societal well-being.
Participatory Governance and Planetary Cognizance
The nexus governance advocates for the institutionalization of participatory governance structures that resonate with democratic principles, ecological intelligence, and technological stewardship. It foregrounds the necessity of a governance model that is not just inclusive of human diversity but is also attuned to the bio-psycho-social intricacies of the Earth's systems. Nexus principles demands active engagement from all stakeholders, fostering a shared responsibility toward sustainable and equitable planetary governance.
The GCRI's nexus governance epitomizes a paradigm shift—towards an entity that is not static but dynamically evolving, learning from a continuous influx of multi-modal data, and adjusting its strategies in real-time. The Nexus Ecosystem, as the technological core of the GCRI, stands as a testament to the potential of integrating embodied cognition with emergent, adaptive governance. It is a call to embrace complexity, uncertainty, and change, not as adversaries but as the very elements that catalyze our collective capacity for foresight, innovation, and resilience. It is through this integrative and adaptive approach that the GCRI can truly fulfill its mandate as a crucible for global risk mitigation and an incubator for sustainable innovation, forging a path that leads toward a balanced and thriving global civilization.
1- ABOUT
The Global Center for Risk and Innovation (GCRI) stands at the forefront of advancing the scholarly and practical understanding of risk management and resilience-building within the context of sustainable development. As a distinguished non-profit entity dedicated to research and development at the international level, GCRI's strategic objectives are meticulously designed to integrate high-level academic insights, industry best practices, and policy innovation across global communities. These objectives are delineated as follows:
Global Knowledge Exchange and Collaborative Platforms: Serving as a preeminent international platform for the rigorous examination and discourse on the interdisciplinary dimensions of science, technology, and their societal impacts, particularly within the contexts of risk and resilience. The initiative is dedicated to facilitating the synthesis and dissemination of pioneering research and applied knowledge. It endeavors to create a synergistic environment that brings together academics, practitioners, policymakers, and communities across the globe, with the objective of driving forward sustainable development through collaborative efforts.
Standardization and Metrology in Risk and Innovation: Supporting the development and implementation of fundamental standards and metrological practices tailored to risk management and sustainable innovation. By defining and promoting these standards, it aims to enhance the accuracy, reliability, and standardization of risk measurement and evaluation methods internationally. Consequently, this contributes to the improvement of risk management strategies' interoperability and effectiveness.
Guidance on International and National Standards Development: Providing expert guidance in the development and application of international and national standards within the domain of risk management and planetary integrity. This advisory role is informed by a profound comprehension of the intricate relationship between theoretical concepts and practical implementations in risk management, security, safety, resilience and sustainability. It seeks to encourage the integration of best practices and innovative solutions within policy and organizational structures.
Scholarly, Industry and Policy Publications: Meticulous preparation and dissemination of standards, reports, and scholarly articles, contributing significantly to the academic and practical discourse at the intersection of science, technology, and society in the realm of risk management. These publications are invaluable resources for the academic community, industry stakeholders, and policymakers, promoting the spread of knowledge and stimulating informed discussions on the evolving challenges and prospects in risk management.
Liaison and Technical Interaction with Global Entities: Facilitating civil society engagement and maintains strong connections and technical interactions with other international entities involved in science, technology, standardization, and innovation within the field of risk management. This underscores GCRI's dedication to fostering a unified and collaborative international approach to addressing the challenges associated with risk management.
Advanced Study of Fundamental and Applied Domains: Investigation of core and applied subjects and their intersections with breakthrough technologies. This includes the study of both natural and human-induced risks and disasters, as well as applied research areas that leverage data analysis, the deployment of technology in risk assessment, and the development of advanced tools for risk intelligence, early warning systems, and emergency management protocols.
In articulating these objectives, GCRI embodies a vision that marries academic rigor, industry relevance, and policy foresight in the field of risk management and resilience. Through its multifaceted initiatives, GCRI is poised to make a substantial contribution to the global endeavor towards achieving a more resilient, risk-aware, and sustainably developed world.
The nexus governance framework of the Global Center for Risk and Innovation (GCRI) is meticulously designed to incorporate a wide array of perspectives and expertise, ensuring comprehensive coverage of all facets involved in risk management and resilience building. This inclusivity is embodied in the structure of the Regional Stewardship Boards (RSBs), which are tasked with overseeing the organization's affairs and making critical decisions. The RSBs operate in alignment with the Global Stewardship Board (GSB), maintaining a uniform yet flexible approach that respects regional specificities and global directives alike.
Underpinning the RSBs are the National Working Groups (NWGs), which are pivotal in translating the GCRI's global mission into actionable regional strategies. To achieve this, the NWGs adopt the Quintuple Helix (QH) model of innovation, which advocates for a collaborative approach among five critical sectors of society: academia, industry, government, civil society, and the environment. This QH Membership is essential for fostering a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to risk management.
QH Membership:
Academic Members: These include scholars, researchers, and educational institutions committed to advancing the scientific foundation of risk management. Their contributions are vital for generating new knowledge, offering analytical frameworks, and ensuring that the GCRI’s strategies are supported by empirical evidence.
Industry Members: This group consists of businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals from the private sector, providing practical insights into the economic and technological dimensions of risk management. They play a crucial role in applying innovative solutions, enhancing economic viability, and driving technological advancements.
Government Members: Comprising policymakers, regulatory bodies, and public institutions, this sector ensures that risk management strategies are aligned with legislative frameworks and public policy goals. They facilitate the integration of GCRI’s initiatives into national strategies and regulatory practices.
Civil Society Members: This segment includes NGOs, community organizations, and advocacy groups, representing the public interest and social dimensions of risk management. They ensure that the GCRI’s activities are socially responsible, ethically grounded, and aligned with the broader public good.
Environmental Members: Specialists in environmental science, sustainability experts, and ecological advocates form this group, emphasizing the critical importance of environmental considerations in risk management. They ensure that strategies foster ecological resilience and sustainability, addressing the environmental impacts of risk and innovation.
The QH Membership model is a strategic endeavor to ensure that the GCRI’s initiatives are as comprehensive and impactful as possible. By embracing a wide spectrum of perspectives and expertise, the GCRI is better equipped to address the complex, multifaceted nature of risk in a globalized world. This multidisciplinary approach not only enhances the effectiveness of risk management strategies but also promotes innovation, sustainability, and resilience across different levels of society.
The commitment of each QH Member to actively participate in and contribute to the GCRI’s technical, research, development, and policy activities is fundamental to the organization's success. Through this collaborative synergy, the GCRI aims to lead and inspire global efforts in managing risks more effectively, ensuring a safer, more resilient future for communities worldwide.
2- OPERATIONS
The Global Center for Risk and Innovation (GCRI) embodies Nexus Governance framework designed to facilitate effective decision-making, strategic planning, and operational excellence. At the core of this framework is the General Assembly, the paramount decision-making body comprising the Trustees and the Presidents of the Regional Stewardship Boards (RSBs). This assembly convenes biennially to engage in in-depth discussions and decisions on the wide array of issues and initiatives pertinent to the GCRI’s mission. The inclusion of a Midterm Meeting between the biennial sessions ensures sustained momentum and ongoing dialogue on strategic matters, enhancing the continuity and responsiveness of the organization's governance.
Operational oversight and strategic guidance between sessions of the General Assembly are entrusted to the Global Stewardship Board (GSB). This board features a composition of key roles including the President, Treasurer, Secretary, and two Directors from each RSB. These positions are filled through a democratic process, either by appointment from the Trustees or election by the RSBs, for a term of two years. This structure ensures a diverse representation of leadership, reflecting the global and interdisciplinary nature of the GCRI’s objectives and activities.
The day-to-day operations and administrative duties of the GCRI are diligently managed by the Stewardship Committee, based out of the GCRI Central Bureau in Toronto, Ontario. This committee is instrumental in executing the organization's strategic initiatives, facilitating the smooth operation of both the GSB and RSBs, and supporting the National Working Groups (NWGs). Key functions include the promotion of the GCRI’s vision and objectives, the organization of pivotal GCRI events, liaising with key global organizations such as the UN, IMF, and World Bank, and overseeing the dissemination of the GCRI’s technical and social research outputs. The executive team, led by an Executive Director or CEO, ensures that the Central Bureau functions as the operational nexus of the GCRI, driving forward the organization's mission with efficiency and purpose.
Meetings and Collaborative Framework:
To foster collaboration and intellectual exchange, the GCRI holds biennial Sessions in various member countries, serving as a cornerstone for gathering all RSB representatives. These sessions are not just ceremonial gatherings but are pivotal in facilitating the exchange of ideas, presenting research findings, and conducting meetings of specialized boards and technical committees. It is within this context that the General Assembly reviews the organization’s achievements, sets future directions, and elects leadership for the new term, thereby ensuring a dynamic and responsive governance structure.
The Nexus Governance framework is further strengthened by regular meetings throughout the year. The GSB and RSBs meet quarterly to ensure strategic alignment and progress tracking, while Trustees convene annually to uphold the governance integrity and oversight. NWGs and Technical Committees meet with the frequency required to advance their specific objectives, ensuring the GCRI's agenda is continuously propelled forward. The encouragement of NWGs to host symposia and other meetings, especially in collaboration with other international entities, exemplifies the GCRI’s commitment to leveraging global partnerships and expertise in pursuit of its goals.
Nexus Governance exemplifies the GCRI’s commitment to excellence, collaboration, and innovation. By integrating strategic oversight with effective operational management and fostering global collaborations, the GCRI is poised to lead and influence the global discourse on risk management and innovation, ultimately contributing to a safer, more resilient world.
3- GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The General Assembly represents the pinnacle of governance within the Global Center for Risk and Innovation (GCRI), embodying the highest level of authority as stipulated under the Canadian Non-Profit Corporations Act. This assembly is a diverse and inclusive body, bringing together key stakeholders from across the organization's global network. Its composition is broad, encompassing the Trustees, the senior officers from each Regional Stewardship Board (RSB), and members from the National Working Groups (NWGs) or their designated representatives. This structure ensures a wide representation of perspectives and expertise, crucial for the multifaceted approach the GCRI takes towards risk management and innovation.
In the spirit of democratic governance and equitable participation, each RSB and NWG is accorded a single vote within the General Assembly. This voting mechanism ensures that all regions and working groups have an equal say in the deliberations and decisions that shape the strategic direction and operational policies of the GCRI. The inclusion of both RSB and NWG representatives in the voting process underscores the importance of integrating insights from both the strategic regional oversight bodies and the specialized working groups focused on specific areas of risk and innovation.
The General Assembly's role is multifaceted, involving the review of major strategic initiatives, approval of significant organizational policies, and the election of the GCRI's leadership. It serves as a forum for discussing and resolving key issues that impact the organization globally, ensuring that the GCRI remains responsive to the evolving challenges and opportunities in the field of risk management and innovation. Through its comprehensive composition and democratic processes, the General Assembly exemplifies the GCRI's commitment to inclusive, participatory governance, reflecting the organization's values of collaboration, transparency, and excellence.
4- TRUSTEES
The Board of Trustees stands as the central governance pillar of the Global Center for Risk and Innovation (GCRI), holding a paramount role in steering the organization towards its strategic objectives. Operating under the oversight of the General Assembly, to which it is accountable, the Board of Trustees is entrusted with a broad range of responsibilities critical to the GCRI's success and integrity. This distinguished body is primarily responsible for ensuring that the GCRI faithfully adheres to its vision, mission, guiding principles, and core values. By doing so, the Board of Trustees plays a crucial role in shaping the organization's strategic direction and maintaining its commitment to excellence in the field of risk management and innovation.
One of the key functions of the Board of Trustees is the formulation and oversight of the GCRI's policies and procedures. This encompasses a comprehensive spectrum of organizational governance, including but not limited to, strategic planning, financial management, ethical guidelines, and operational protocols. A significant aspect of their mandate is to ensure that these policies and procedures not only align with the GCRI's mission and values but also adhere to the highest standards of legal compliance. This involves a proactive approach to governance, where the Board of Trustees continuously evaluates and updates policies to reflect changing legal, ethical, and operational landscapes.
The Board of Trustees works closely with the General Assembly, providing regular reports that offer transparency and accountability regarding the GCRI's activities, achievements, and challenges. This collaborative relationship ensures that the organization's broader membership remains informed and engaged in its governance and strategic direction.
Through their leadership, the Board of Trustees embodies the GCRI's commitment to excellence, integrity, and innovation. Their stewardship is vital in navigating the complexities of global risk management, ensuring that the GCRI not only achieves its objectives but also contributes positively to the global community it serves.
5- SPECIALIZED BOARDS
The Specialized Leadership Boards (SLBs) play a pivotal role within the Global Center for Risk and Innovation (GCRI), serving as the nucleus for coordinating and overseeing the organization's technical endeavors. This key body is instrumental in steering the GCRI's technical direction, ensuring that its initiatives and outputs align with the highest standards of quality, relevance, and impact in the field of risk management and innovation.
Responsibilities of the SLBs include a comprehensive range of duties essential for the GCRI's technical governance. Among these are:
Approval of Technical Committees: The SLBs have the authority to sanction the establishment or dissolution of Technical Committees, which are crucial for addressing specific areas of research, development, and application within the GCRI's scope. This enables the GCRI to dynamically adjust its focus and resources in response to evolving challenges and opportunities in risk management and innovation.
Appointment of Committee Chairs: A critical function of the SLBs is to approve the appointment of chairs for these Technical Committees. By selecting leaders who demonstrate exceptional expertise, vision, and leadership in their respective fields, the SLBs ensure that the committees are guided by individuals capable of driving meaningful progress and innovation.
Approval of Technical Publications: The SLBs also oversee the approval process for technical publications produced by the GCRI. This oversight ensures that all materials disseminated by the organization meet rigorous standards of accuracy, relevance, and contribution to the body of knowledge in risk management and innovation.
Compositionally, the SLBs are a reflection of the GCRI's interdisciplinary and collaborative ethos. They consist of the chairs from various domains critical to the GCRI's mission, including academia, industry, engineering, and strategic leadership from the Regional Stewardship Boards (RSBs). This diverse makeup ensures that the SLBs benefit from a wide range of perspectives and expertise, fostering a holistic approach to technical governance and decision-making.
The leadership of the SLBs is vested in the Industry Leadership Board, underscoring the importance of industry engagement and the application of practical, innovative solutions in risk management. This leadership structure ensures that the SLBs operate with a keen awareness of the real-world implications and applications of the GCRI's work, promoting outcomes that are not only academically and technically sound but also practically relevant and impactful.
Through their comprehensive governance responsibilities and diverse composition, the Specialized Leadership Boards are crucial to advancing the GCRI's mission of fostering innovation and excellence in risk management. Their work ensures that the GCRI remains at the forefront of technical advancements, contributing valuable insights and solutions to the global community.
6- MEMBERSHIP
The Global Center for Risk and Innovation (GCRI) champions a collaborative and inclusive approach to addressing global risk management challenges through its National Working Groups (NWGs). These NWGs serve as the cornerstone of the GCRI's efforts at the national level, embodying the principles of the Quintuple Helix (QH) model of membership. This model ensures a comprehensive and multi-perspective approach to risk management, incorporating insights from academia, industry, government, civil society, and environmental domains.
Role and Responsibilities of NWGs:
NWGs are entrusted with the critical responsibility of making decisions on matters related to the GCRI's mission within their respective countries. Their mandate includes fostering collaboration among various national stakeholders interested in risk management, ensuring that the diverse and multifaceted nature of risk is addressed effectively and innovatively. Each NWG is required to represent and secure cooperation from all relevant organizations within their country, ensuring a unified and cohesive approach to managing risk at the national level.
Given the unique challenges and opportunities presented by risk management in different contexts, the composition of each NWG is tailored to reflect the specific needs and resources of their country. This flexibility allows for a tailored approach to risk management that respects local conditions and leverages local expertise, while still aligning with the GCRI's global objectives and standards.
Formation and Membership Process:
A country interested in joining the GCRI and contributing to its global mission of risk management innovation is required to establish a National Working Group. This process involves the collaboration of various organizations within the country that have a vested interest in risk management. These organizations come together to form a single NWG, ensuring a coordinated and comprehensive national effort towards risk management.
The newly formed NWG must then demonstrate compliance with the GCRI's requirements, showcasing its ability to effectively contribute to the GCRI's mission. This includes evidence of a multi-sectoral composition that aligns with the QH model, a commitment to collaboration, and the capacity to engage in meaningful risk management initiatives. Once prepared, the NWG submits its application to the GCRI Central Bureau.
Application Review and Approval:
The approval process for a new NWG's application is conducted by the Global Stewardship Board (GSB). The GSB carefully reviews each application to ensure that the prospective NWG meets the necessary criteria and is well-positioned to contribute to the GCRI's objectives. This review process emphasizes the importance of adherence to the GCRI's values, the potential for impactful collaboration, and the strategic alignment of the NWG's goals with those of the GCRI.
The establishment of NWGs under the auspices of the GCRI reflects the organization's commitment to a decentralized yet coordinated approach to global risk management. By empowering national entities to take active roles in the GCRI's endeavors, the organization fosters a truly global network of experts and institutions dedicated to advancing the frontiers of risk management and resilience building.
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