Q&A with Joshua Ellul, Chairman at Malta Digital Innovation Authority

Joshua Ellul, Chairman at Malta Digital Innovation Authority
Joshua Ellul, Chairman, Malta Digital Innovation Authority, is the director of the Centre for Distributed Ledger Technologies which runs a multidisciplinary Masters in Blockchain and DLT. He is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Malta. He is also Chairperson of the Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA). His research interests include Blockchain/DLT/Smart Contracts, Virtual Machines #VMs, the Internet of Things #IoT; and the intersections and crossings between Blockchain and IoT, and Technology and Law.

I am a strong believer that innovation should be promoted and not be stifled.



MEDIA 7: Could you please tell us a little bit about yourself and what made you choose this career path?
JOSHUA ELLUL:
To me, it seems like a sequence of events have led to this career path to choose me more than I chose it as if I were to think back 20 years ago I never thought I would end up having taken on such a role. Being more inclined towards programming and lesser towards other academic affairs, I started working as a programmer at a young age and a great friend suggested that I study Computer Science at the University. I tried it out and ended up pursuing an academic career in Computer Science. Then, when Malta announced its ambitions within the blockchain sector, a fellow University colleague and I who were undertaking research in blockchain reached out to the Government to see what was being proposed. We then ended up being roped into providing input into the blockchain-related legislation, and further consulting regarding the setting up of the Malta Digital Innovation Authority’s regulatory framework.

Through this process, I started to appreciate how technology, due to its impact on society, does not live outside the law in a vacuum. Whilst, yet at the same time new decentralized technology poses serious challenges to imposing legal requirements on it. I am a strong believer that innovation should be promoted and not be stifled – yet at the same time, I do understand that societies put in place consumer protection mechanisms (along with legal certainty and uphold market integrity). Through this process, I became interested not only in the technology but the problems associated with bridging the techno- regulatory worlds. I was then asked to be Chairperson of the Malta Digital Innovation Authority, at which point the answer to me was obvious.


M7: What exactly is your vision – in one or two sentences – for Malta Digital Innovation Authority? Are these visions inspirational, aspirational, transformational?
JE:
My vision for the MDIA includes:

(I) To ensure that technology-related regulation (which is mentioned and called for internationally evermore increasingly) does not stifle potential innovation, whilst at the same time provides assurances where required.

(II) To investigate and implement new ways of both regulation and de-regulation of technology-related aspects in which automation and decentralization can play a large part.

(III) To help play a part in fostering a digital eco-system (being a regulator though of course, it needs to remain impartial and independent of external entities so the part it plays can be limiting).


The financial system is changing due to the innovation brought about by blockchain.



M7: Could you please throw some light on MDIA’s recently launched Technology Assurance Sandbox and its benefits for the digital start-ups?
JE:
When the MDIA was set up, its priority was to put into place a technology certification framework adequate for cryptocurrency-related activities, which tend to be high risk. Due to this, smaller operations and start-ups do not fit well into such a certification framework. The Technology Assurance Sandbox (TAS) aims to fill that void, allowing for such less-risk smaller operations to aim towards building assurances in its processes and technologies in a more flexible manner. The TAS also serves as a flexible regulatory tool allowing for the MDIA to investigate different mechanisms in the regulatory tool spectrum.


M7: You have a keen interest in the Blockchain landscape, what are your predictions on blockchain and digital currencies transforming the financial system as we know it?
JE:
Any way you look at it, the financial system is changing due to the innovation brought about by blockchain. Based upon what we have been seeing and being proposed, I believe we will see within the next few years:

(I) Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) being rolled out, some of which will have blockchain-like features (e.g. smart contract-like programmability) which will enable quick uptake given that most businesses already operate within such environments;

(II) CBDCs are heavily centralized by nature, so then it will be a question of whether companies and individuals choose to continue utilizing centralized CBDCs or move towards decentralized cryptocurrency alternatives;

(III) Over time I feel that these two worlds will collide where both will play a part in the future financial system, where CBDCs provide both services that provide centralized jurisdictional guarantees as well as wrap decentralized services for users – allowing for much of the complexities of using decentralized systems to be hidden away, providing ease of use and access. Furthermore, I envisage that CBDCs will provide an on-boarding mechanism for users to enter and operate completely within the decentralized world. Although, indeed they may also choose to oppose this direction.


In order to stay competitive, entities and individuals need to look into how emerging technologies are and will affect their professional and even personal lives.



M7: What do you think is essential to stay competitive in a market that is going through constant digitalization?
JE:
Mostly every (if not every) aspect of life is affected by digitalization, and the future workforce will require the right level of technological know-how required for the particular profession. Education is key – and not just formal education.  In order to stay competitive, entities and individuals need to look into how emerging technologies are and will affect their professional (and even personal) lives.


M7: What do you read, and how do you consume information to stay at the top of your game?
JE:
Most of my reading is focused around:

(I) Academic research which I require to do to keep up with the state-of-the-art in order to work on cutting-edge developments.

(II) Policy-related documents particularly focusing on aspects of emerging technology and on related sectors attempting to apply technology regulation.

(III) Opinion pieces that I come across that seem of interest. Then, with reading (and in general learning) one needs to be careful to not ‘waste’ time on going too deep on certain aspects that may go beyond what is required at the time – since time is limited one needs to learn how to deal with uncertainty and lacunae of knowledge in certain areas. For such areas, at times, it is good enough to work at a more abstract level, and when extensive detail is required one will either need to dig deeper or rely on other experts. Pragmatism is important in ensuring I can stay on top of my game.

ABOUT MDIA

MDIA is the primary Authority responsible for promoting governmental policies that promote Malta as the center for excellence for technological innovation while setting and enforcing standards that ensure compliance with any other international obligations. The Authority seeks to protect and support users and also encourages all types of innovations, by allowing for flexibility when it comes to the certification of Innovative Technology Arrangements.

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Domino Data Lab Lends AI Expertise to Atlantic Council's Commission on Software-Defined Warfare

PR Newswire | January 23, 2024

Domino Data Lab, provider of the leading Enterprise AI platform trusted by over 20% of the Fortune 100, today announced it has joined the Atlantic Council's newly-formed Commission on Software-Defined Warfare, where Domino President of Public Sector Joel Meyer will represent the company to help ensure the U.S. and its allies can effectively leverage software, particularly AI platforms at scale, to enhance defense capabilities. Co-chaired by 27th U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper, Former Acting Deputy Secretary of Defense Christine Fox, and President of Purdue University Mung Chiang, the Commission will develop a framework to enhance U.S. and allied forces through emergent digital capabilities. The commission will leverage insights from a prestigious and diverse group of subject matter experts, including former government officials, and industry leaders who will offer a wealth of valuable perspectives. The continued proliferation of advanced commercial technology, including infrastructure and tooling to support artificial intelligence, is transforming the battlefield and changing its dynamics in ways that could alter existing military balances of power. Meyer will work with the Commission to help recognize and recommend scalable, governable, and cost-effective AI approaches and solutions to ensure U.S. competitiveness amidst this paradigm shift. "To ensure the U.S. maintains its global leadership in today's technology-driven security environment, the DoD must modernize its approach to acquiring and leveraging digital capabilities," said Meyer. "I'm honored to assist the Atlantic Council's critical work to enable the DoD to leverage responsible AI-driven capabilities for data-driven decisions at the speed of battle, and support our long-term national security." This new commission is the latest of the Atlantic Council's efforts to recommend modern software practices the DoD can implement to optimize or improve defense capabilities. "Cutting-edge technology companies like Domino are crucial to closing the yawning gap in current capabilities for advancing national defense," said Stephen Rodriguez, commission director and senior advisor, at the Atlantic Council's Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security and its Forward Defense program. "The expertise that Joel Meyer brings from his prior senior national security and technology roles will help cement the Commission's ability to drive change that supports American and allied security." The Commission's work will culminate in a framework for the U.S. legislative and executive branches, defense prime contractors and tech start-ups, and U.S. allies and partners to holistically approach software capability development and integration with military hardware. Domino for Government: Secure & Governed Mission-Driven AI Domino's Enterprise AI and MLOps Platform helps government agencies integrate AI into their missions rapidly, safely, and cost-effectively. Domino makes it easy for federal agencies to build, deploy, and manage AI at scale, on a unified platform without risking their AI intellectual property. Agency data scientists, contractors, and collaborators can securely access on-demand compute infrastructure and their choice of commercial and open-source data, tools, models, and projects—across any on-prem, GovCloud, and hybrid/multi-cloud environments. With Domino, agencies can improve collaboration and governance while establishing AI standards and best practices that accelerate their missions. "The DoD needs to continue to accelerate the integration of artificial intelligence into its mission sets to more effectively deter, deny, and if necessary, defeat our nation's adversaries," said Brigadier General and Domino advisor Bobby Kinney. "Domino's open, API-driven architecture ensures flexibility and freedom for users while offering control and built-in governance for platform and security owners — a critical role in how the DoD and its allies and partners modernize in the scaling of much-needed AI tooling and infrastructure." About Domino Data Lab Domino Data Lab empowers the largest AI-driven enterprises to build and operate AI at scale. Domino's Enterprise AI platform unifies the flexibility AI teams want with the visibility and control the enterprise requires. Domino enables a repeatable and agile ML lifecycle for faster, responsible AI impact with lower costs. With Domino, global enterprises can develop better medicines, grow more productive crops, develop more competitive products, and more. Founded in 2013, Domino is backed by Sequoia Capital, Coatue Management, NVIDIA, Snowflake, and other leading investors.

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Government Finance

Springbrook Software Announces Record Number of Customers Moving to New Cirrus SaaS Based Government Financial ERP Platform in 2023

PR Newswire | January 09, 2024

Springbrook, the country's leading developer of cloud-based government software, closed 2023 with a record number of 68 municipalities selecting Cirrus, the company's flagship financial ERP. Cirrus is a fully integrated, Multi-Tenant, SaasS based platform designed from the ground up specifically for local government agencies. "Cirrus reflects what our customers need and have asked for. We address growing concerns with ransomware attacks by offering the highest level of cybersecurity available. We provide citizens and the next generation of personnel with a seamless, modern, interactive experience. And we know from the pandemic that a changing workforce needs anytime, anywhere browser-based access. Our growth reflects the trend of moving away from home brewed or dated technologies to solutions that are designed for today's challenges," says Robert Bonavito, CEO of Springbrook Software. Springbrook's Cirrus provides a full suite of integrated solutions including finance, payroll, utility billing, advanced budgeting, and human resources. Springbrook also offers the most advanced payment solution available, through Xpress Bill Pay, as well as Tableau, the number one visual analytics tool in use by government agencies. 2023 also marked the roll out of several new technologies including an AI driven ChatBot, Allocation Billing for water utilities with tiered billing structures, and efficient online and mobile Payroll Time Clocks and Time Sheets. About Springbrook Software: Springbrook Software is the country's leading cloud-based finance and administration software provider designing solutions specifically for small to medium sized local government agencies. Nearly 2800 cities, towns and districts from coast to coast use our suite of modern, high-performance solutions to manage their finances, payroll, utility billing and collect citizen payments. Springbrook is headquartered in Portland, Oregon with regional presence in over 40 states, and seven countries internationally.

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