Risk-Based Decision Making (RBDM) Compliance and Enforcement

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), through its Spectrum Management Innovation Directorate, sought support in applying risk-based decision making (RBDM) across its compliance and enforcement responsibilities. The department was looking for a structured and data-driven approach to prioritize regulatory actions in a way that reflects risks to the public interest.

To this end, RSI was asked to provide expert guidance on key elements of an RBDM framework. ISED requested support in developing a shared risk lexicon and detailed taxonomies covering hazards, harms, and control measures relevant to telecommunications regulation. These foundational elements were intended to enable consistent characterization and comparison of risks within the department’s mandate.

ISED also requested assistance in identifying appropriate methods for risk measurement and estimation, with the goal of building internal capacity to assess and visualize diverse public risks. They sought illustrative examples and guidance materials that could be used for training and internal alignment. In addition, the department asked for support in drafting a data structure capable of linking risk elements with control strategies and cost considerations, even in cases where operational data may be incomplete.

The work was to inform a scalable framework that would enable ISED to make more transparent and evidence-informed decisions across its regulatory functions.