Frameworks and Models
This page presents the core governance frameworks and conceptual models developed by The Inniss Institute for Digital Policy and Intellectual Property. These works form the intellectual architecture guiding the Institute’s research, advisory services, and policy interventions across the Caribbean and the wider Global South. Each framework is an original contribution authored by Dr. Abiola Inniss, reflecting more than a decade of scholarship, institutional analysis, and regional policy engagement.
1. The Inniss Framework for Caribbean Digital Sovereignty
Overview
A foundational model that defines the structural, legal, and geopolitical dimensions of digital sovereignty for Caribbean states. It introduces the concept of Data Nullius and outlines pathways for building autonomous, resilient digital governance systems.
Core Components
Sovereignty-centered data governance principles
Institutional capacity requirements for small states
Digital infrastructure independence
Policy pathways for regional digital autonomy
Applications
Used by policymakers, researchers, and institutions to assess digital dependency, design governance strategies, and strengthen regional digital resilience.
2. Caribbean Intellectual Property Modernization Architecture
Overview
A comprehensive framework for transforming IP systems across CARICOM. It addresses legislative reform, institutional strengthening, and the integration of IP into innovation and creative economy development.
Core Components
Regional harmonization strategies
Digital transformation of IP offices
Capacity-building models for small developing states
Integration of IP into cultural and economic policy
Applications
Guides governments, development agencies, and IP offices in designing modern, efficient, and regionally aligned IP systems.
3. The Inniss Model for AI Governance in Small Developing States
Overview
A governance model tailored to the unique needs of small developing states, addressing regulatory gaps, ethical considerations, and institutional constraints in AI adoption.
Core Components
Risk-based regulatory design
Ethical and human-centered AI principles
Institutional readiness assessment tools
Regional cooperation mechanisms
Applications
Supports governments and institutions in developing contextually relevant AI policies and regulatory frameworks.
4. Digital Sovereignty and IP Convergence Model
Overview
A conceptual model demonstrating the interdependence between digital sovereignty and intellectual property governance. It provides a unified lens for understanding how data, technology, and IP systems shape regional autonomy.
Core Components
Intersection of IP rights and data governance
Innovation ecosystem development
Policy alignment for sovereignty and competitiveness
Applications
Used in policy design, academic research, and institutional planning to align digital and IP governance strategies.
5. The Inniss Institute Policy Architecture for the Global South
Overview
A multi-layered policy architecture designed to support developing regions in building sovereignty-centered digital and IP governance systems. It is adaptable across the Caribbean, Africa, and Pacific states.
Core Components
Governance pillars for digital policy
Institutional design templates
Cross-regional applicability and harmonization
Implementation pathways for small states
Applications
Provides governments, development agencies, and institutions with a structured approach to designing resilient, future-ready governance systems.
Authorship and Attribution
All frameworks and models presented on this page are original works authored by Dr. Abiola Inniss and form part of the intellectual property of The Inniss Institute for Digital Policy and Intellectual Property. They may be referenced for academic, policy, and institutional purposes with proper attribution.
For permissions, licensing, or institutional use, please contact The Inniss Institute through its official website.