The Digital Regulatory Academy (DRA) is a specialized academy in digital regulations in partnership with leading international institutions in this field.
The academy aims to develop human resources in the field of digital regulations and public policies, to achieve the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 by enabling contributions to building a thriving digital economy and fostering new and innovative regulatory approaches.
Establishment of the Digital Regulations Academy: The academy was established in 2021 in partnership with leading global institutions to train national human resources within regulatory bodies and the private sector. The academy aims to transfer knowledge and contribute to enhancing digital regulatory maturity through the development of diverse, high-quality programs related to public policies and regulatory aspects. These are achieved through strategic partnerships with international organizations and various pathways and programs.
Academic Tracks and Programs
Objectives
CST Strategy
global center for refining expertise in public policy and digital regulation for the digital economy ecosystem, driving collaboration and innovation.
world-leading platform that equips digital regulation pioneers with the knowledge, tools, and resources to create an innovative and agile digital ecosystem
Training and enrichment programs
Beneficiary entities
Trainees both local and international from 52 countries
Global partners in program delivery
Strategic Pillars
Regulatory Capacity
Building human capacities in digital regulations both locally and internationally.
Regulatory Collaboration
Enhancing cooperation to improve participatory regulatory practices.
Regulatory Innovation
Leading the way in innovative regulatory practices.
Courses Under Development at the Digital Regulations Academy
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Introduction to Public Policies
A training program covering the fundamentals of public policy, including definitions, objectives, strategic interactions, and the role of institutions. It places special emphasis on public policy in Saudi Arabia, addressing goals, design, and implementation. The program explores the role of stakeholders, methods for policy evaluation and communication, as well as key policy challenges in areas such as digital regulation, communication, consumer protection, and competition.
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Introduction to Impact Assessments
This program focuses on evidence-based evaluations to guide policy decisions, including cost-benefit analysis and regulatory impact assessments. It covers best practices, pros and cons of impact evaluations, stakeholder engagement, monitoring and evaluation, and the role of assessments in policymaking through case studies and future trends.
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Exploring the Regulatory Landscape
Understanding how to navigate the regulatory landscape is critical for individuals and businesses. It ensures compliance with laws and regulations, mitigates risks, and facilitates successful interaction with regulatory bodies, fostering an environment conducive to innovation and sustainable development.
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Regulating Emerging Technologies
A program examining transformative technologies such as AI, cloud computing, blockchain, and 5G/6G. It discusses their importance, evolving business models, and risks that may require regulatory intervention. The program focuses on priority areas like digital platforms, data protection, e-commerce, and cloud services, exploring regulatory approaches such as cost-benefit analysis and regulatory innovation funds. Case studies from global regulatory responses are included, highlighting key outcomes for regulating emerging technologies in Saudi Arabia.
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The Role and Value of Critical Resources in the Digital Market
Understanding the role and value of critical resources in digital markets is essential for regulators and businesses alike. This knowledge enables effective oversight, fosters fair competition, and ensures the sustainable management of resources such as spectrum and numbering systems. It is crucial for crafting policies that promote innovation while protecting markets from monopolistic practices and ensuring equitable access to key assets.
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Understanding Public Policy
Building on the basics of public policy, this program delves into major challenges, such as balancing consumer and citizen interests, competition and investment, innovation, and regulation. It covers the policymaking process, including stakeholder engagement, complaint handling, investigations, government relations, and case studies to apply lessons learned. The program focuses on Saudi Arabia, addressing policies in communication, consumer protection, and competition in digital markets.
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Understanding Impact Assessments
This advanced training program provides deeper insights into impact assessment methodologies, including data collection, modeling, stakeholder engagement, and monitoring and evaluation. It covers best practices from global digital regulators and practical applications in Saudi Arabia. The program also examines approaches of the Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) and other regulatory bodies, considering sector-specific nuances in telecommunications, IT, and emerging technologies.
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Introduction to Regulatory Economics
A program offering an overview of economic regulation, including its history, rationale, underlying theories, and hypotheses. It addresses topics like regulatory risks, failures, and the impact of regulation on competition and market structures in network industries. The course incorporates economic regulatory approaches such as access regulation and price controls, using case studies to examine practical applications and concluding with key insights for regulating digital markets and industries.
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Space Sector Regulation
This program provides an overview of space regulation, covering the role of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and national agencies, the socio-economic value of space in Saudi Arabia, spectrum requirements for space networks, innovative technologies like direct-to-device broadcasting, and the need for managing scarce orbital resources. It also addresses international cooperation on cross-border activities, safety, and security.
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Economics of Critical Resources
Critical resources, whether natural or otherwise, are finite and essential for various digital markets. Regulators and stakeholders must understand the economics of these resources to support informed decision-making and sustainable management. This understanding enables analysis of supply-demand dynamics, evaluation of market structures, and implementation of policies that ensure efficient allocation, fair competition, and long-term viability of essential resources, fostering economic stability and resilience.
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Regulating Digital Markets
A training program exploring definitions, characteristics, and emerging challenges in digital markets, including market power, concentration, and related issues. It analyzes digital platforms, covering aspects like competitive harms and regulatory alternatives. The program examines global and Saudi-specific perspectives, addressing pre- and post-market regulation, regulatory interventions, data access, interoperability, merger analysis, and dispute resolution.
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IT Sector Regulation
This program explores the regulation of technology, enforcement of competition laws, regulatory alternatives, and economic aspects such as assessing market positions and addressing market failures. It also examines approaches to digital privacy, impacts of privacy regulations, dispute resolution mechanisms, and incentives for investment in Saudi Arabia's IT sector.
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The Role of Digital Regulation in Market Competition
A training program highlighting the importance of competition, covering aspects like market position assessment through competitive investigations, enforcement, regulatory alternatives, and requirements specific to Saudi Arabia’s telecommunications sector.
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Regulating Cloud Services
This program addresses the growth of cloud computing, its benefits, leading sectors, and regulatory challenges such as data privacy, operational resilience, and power dynamics. It covers cloud business models and services, market studies, cost-benefit regulatory analysis, and case studies to shape outcome-based policy interventions in areas like consumer protection and data privacy.
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Data and Privacy Regulation
A program emphasizing the growing importance of data protection and privacy regulations. It examines regulatory frameworks like the GDPR, introducing global best practices and the specific context of data privacy in Saudi Arabia. The program also explores the impacts of emerging technologies like AI and blockchain on data governance, highlighting the role of regulators in managing privacy and protecting both personal and non-personal data.
