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Boucher Co-leads AI-Policy Workshop at Hadaba Initiative in Qatar

By Matt LoJacono // February 26, 2024

Hadaba: Elevating Innovation and Policy Design, an initiative spearheaded by Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s College of Public Policy, recently conducted a workshop aimed at integrating AI and co-design approaches into policymaking processes. The event, attended by over 50 professionals from various sectors in Qatar, was led by Evren Tok, Associate Dean for Community Engagement at the College of Public Policy, and Nathan Boucher, Associate Research Professor at Duke Sanford. 

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Two men smiling at camera and posing for picture.
Evron Tok and Nathan Boucher co-led the workshop. 

Boucher, known widely for his expertise in the intersection of health and public policy, played a pivotal role in providing both theoretical insights and practical applications of AI in policymaking during the workshop. His presentation underscored the potential of AI technologies to revolutionize the field of public policy, offering participants a glimpse into how such tools could enhance their decision-making processes.

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Crowd of people sitting on amphitheater seats posing for camera in group shot.
More than 50 Qatar-based professionals participated in the workshop. 

The workshop, designed to foster collaboration and innovation, also delved into the co-design approach championed by Dr. Tok. This methodology emphasizes collaborative efforts and draws inspiration from industrial design principles to drive innovation in policymaking. Through lectures and interactive sessions, participants gained a comprehensive understanding of these tools and their potential impact on policymaking processes.

Hadaba: Elevating Innovation and Policy Design is a flagship program of the college and serves as a hub for fostering innovation and experiential learning in policymaking. It aims to create a vibrant community of practice that facilitates collaboration and knowledge exchange among policymakers and experts. The initiative aligns with Hamad Bin Khalifa University College of Public Policy's broader goal of becoming a leading public policy institution regionally and globally, driving research and responses to policy questions of local and global significance.

As Qatar endeavors to position itself as a hub for innovation and knowledge exchange, initiatives like Hadaba play a crucial role in equipping professionals with the necessary tools and expertise to navigate complex policy landscapes effectively. Through workshops and collaborative platforms led by renowned experts like Boucher, Qatar continues to advance its capacity for evidence-based policymaking, contributing to its long-term development goals.