At the 2025 Academic-Industry Tech Dialogue held at the University of Greater Manchester, technology consultant and governance advocate Joshua Aaron called for a stronger focus on structured data systems as a foundation for ethical and citizen-centred public infrastructure.

Addressing a diverse audience of over 500 academics, professionals, and students on August 5, Aaron delivered a keynote titled *“Data-Driven Governance: The Backbone of AI-Enabled Public Infrastructure.”* The event, hosted by the IEEE Computing Society, centred on the role of thought leadership in shaping AI and digital infrastructure policy.

“Governance frameworks must evolve in tandem with the technologies they oversee,” Aaron said during his presentation. “If our systems of public service are to scale with AI, they must be rooted in structured, transparent data models that prioritise citizen trust.”

He argued that without a reliable data architecture, attempts to implement AI in public systems risk falling short of their intended benefits, particularly in areas such as service delivery, urban planning, and institutional accountability.

Aaron’s talk drew particular attention to the intersection of technology and policy, highlighting the need for interdisciplinary collaboration. “It’s not enough for engineers to build systems — policymakers must understand how these systems function and the data that fuels them,” he noted.

His presentation was one of the highlights of the day, earning praise from both peers and attendees for its clarity and urgency. Other experts who shared the stage included Professor Celestine Iwendi, a renowned AI researcher; Nurun Nahar, Assistant Teaching Professor; cybersecurity specialist Oluwatoyin Fakorede; and GRC lead Adaora Uche of THG Ingenuity, among others.

Participants commended the dialogue for facilitating practical and accessible conversations around digital governance and infrastructure. Aaron’s contribution, in particular, was noted for bridging the gap between policy intention and technical execution.

“Data-driven governance isn’t a buzzword,” Aaron concluded. “It’s the operational backbone of any meaningful public service in an AI-driven future. And we must begin designing for that future now.”

The Academic-Industry Tech Dialogue 2025 continues to serve as a significant platform for fostering collaboration between universities and the tech industry, especially at a time when ethical questions around AI and public accountability grow increasingly urgent.