Nigel Cory

Associate Director, Trade Policy
Information Technology and Innovation Foundation
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 202-626-5720
Twitter: @nigelcory
Nigel Cory is an associate director covering trade policy at the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation. He focuses on cross-border data flows, data governance, intellectual property, and how they each relate to digital trade and the broader digital economy. Cory has provided in-person testimony and written submissions and has published reports and op-eds relating to these issues in the United States, the European Union, Australia, China, India, and New Zealand, among other countries and regions, and he has completed research projects for international bodies such as the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation and the World Trade Organization. Nigel is a member of the United Kingdom’s International Data Transfer Expert Council.
Cory previously worked as a researcher in the Southeast Asia Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Prior to that, he worked for eight years in Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, which included positions working on G20 global economic and trade issues and the Doha Development Round. Cory also had diplomatic postings in Malaysia, where he worked on bilateral and regional trade, economic, and security issues, and in Afghanistan, where he was the deputy director of a joint U.S.-Australia provincial reconstruction team. Cory holds a master’s degree in public policy from Georgetown University and a bachelor’s degree in international business and commerce from Griffith University in Brisbane, Australia.
Recent Publications
Europe’s Cloud Security Regime Should Focus on Technology, Not Nationality
The EU’s new cloud cybersecurity regime should focus on good security practices, as the U.S. FedRAMP regime does. Emulating China’s protectionist focus on firm nationality is a bad security practice that weakens transatlantic influence over cybersecurity issues globally.
A Reformed Section 337 Is the Tool for USTR to Mitigate China’s Unfair Trade Practices
Despite over a decade of policy debates and changes, the United States is still in dire need of tools to limit China’s ability to profit from industrial predation.
Comments to the Attorney General of Australia Regarding Australia’s Copyright Enforcement Review
The world’s leading creative countries still have a long way to go before they can say they’ve significantly reduced digital piracy, but many are finally taking steps in the right direction toward this goal. Australia has adopted many of the best policies to better target copyright infringement, but there are a few missing that policymakers should consider.
Fair’s Fair: Biden Should Use the IRA’s Tax Credits to End Europe’s Targeting of U.S. Tech
The Biden administration should use access to the IRA Act’s EV benefits as the wake-up call that its partners can no longer have it all and that there are meaningful differences between friends and acquaintances when it comes to trade and technology cooperation with the United States.
Comments to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Regarding Technical Standard-Setting Processes
China and other countries with poor human rights records are trying to influence international standards mainly through the International Telecommunications Union. So, the Office of the High Commissioner should focus attention there to address the most problematic proposals for technical standards with clear and troubling human rights implications.
Europe Goes Protectionist on Global Technical Standards: The Example of “Common Specifications”
The Biden administration (and other major trading partners) should push the EU to live up to its statements, abide by its WTO commitments, and support the development and use of international standards for new and emerging technologies.
America’s National Security Concerns Over China Shouldn’t Imperil Its Leadership in Technical Standards Development
In responding to China’s growing efforts to influence standards, the United States should not copy its approach to standards setting in closing off participation to foreign enterprises. Instead, the Biden administration and its like-minded trading partners in Australia, Japan, Singapore, and beyond should revert to first principles as agreed at the WTO and double down on their support for open, transparent, and industry-led standards development, which together demonstrates good governance for standards setting.
Indonesia’s Data Privacy Law Avoids Costly and Misguided Localization
The PDP Law’s potential to become a model for data transfers depends on implementing regulations right. However, there’s reason for hope.
Data Localization Will Cost Bangladesh
With misguided localisation policies, Bangladesh's early progress and future promise are at risk. What path will Bangladesh's policymakers take as they conduct a final review of the country's Data Protection Act? The path to a false and costly promise of digital protectionism and control, or will they choose one that's based on targeted and balanced laws that reflect global data-policy norms that keep Bangladesh integrated with the global digital economy?
The Cost of Data Localization Policies in Bangladesh, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Vietnam
Restrictive data policies coming into effect in Bangladesh, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Vietnam will measurably increase import costs and reduce trade volumes, undermining the broader economic role of data. Policymakers should change course or else be left behind in the race for digital development.
Hope for the Best, But Prepare for the Worst at the US-EU Trade and Technology Council
The European Union wants it all—access to the U.S. market without fully reciprocal access to the EU, U.S. action against China while it free rides by exporting to China, and the freedom to restrict U.S. firms in Europe under the banner of “digital sovereignty.” It’s time for the U.S. government to say, “No more.”
How the EU Is Using Technology Standards as a Protectionist Tool In Its Quest for Cybersovereignty
Europe professes to want greater transatlantic digital cooperation, yet it is systemically excluding U.S. firms from participating in its technical standards-setting processes. A real transatlantic digital alliance requires real EU-U.S. cooperation on technical standards.
Recent Events and Presentations
Data Localization vs. Data Governance: Why China Should Support Open, Clear, and Binding Rules on Data Flows and Digital Trade
Nigel Cory presented at the 2nd International Cyberspace Governance Forum hosted in Beijing, China, by Beihang University and Beijing Normal University.
Health Data Governance and Localization
On May 19, 2022, Nigel Cory gave a presentation on “Health Data Governance and Localization” to the Healthcare Leadership Council’s (HLC) Confidentiality Coalition.
2021 Global Trade and Innovation Policy Alliance Annual Summit
The GTIPA’s annual summits bring together alliance members with world-leading experts to explore creative solutions to the difficult economic, trade, and innovation challenges facing the international community.
How Can Countries Support Data Flows, Digital Trade, and Good Data Governance?
ITIF hosted a panel discussion on a new report on global data localization and what policymakers need to develop new rules, norms, frameworks, and agreements to support data flows.
Innovation Drag: The Impact of Chinese Economic and Trade Policies on Global Innovation
Watch our overview of this research, including sectoral analysis of five advanced industries: telecommunications equipment, biopharmaceuticals, solar photovoltaics, semiconductors, and high-speed rail. ITIF analysts will discuss how Chinese policies affect global innovation and steps allied nations can take to mitigate the harm.
Prospects for New Trade Governance Amid Protectionist Digital Industrial Policies and National Security Concerns
On November 12, Nigel Cory gave a keynote presentation on “Digital Trade: The prospects for new trade governance amidst emerging protectionist digital industrial policies and national security concerns” at the Trade and Investment in Services Associates (TIISA)’s 2020 Conference on “Servicification.”
Using Voluntary Agreements to Support a Local and Global Market in Legal Content
On October 28, 2020, Nigel Cory gave a presentation about how voluntary agreements among key stakeholders help combat digital piracy to Libre 2020 (the premier international Spanish-language book fair).
The Moratorium and the Impact on Developing Countries
Nigel Cory gave a presentation at the World Trade Organization’s Public Forum on “The Moratorium and the Impact on Developing Countries.”
Digital Trade and Health Services and Data
Nigel Cory gave a presentation at the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Public Forum on “Digital Trade and Health: Data Flows and Data Governance.”
Digital Trade Policy Dialogue: Latin America
Nigel Cory gave a presentation at an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Digital Trade Policy Dialogue in Puetro Varas, Chile.
Fostering an Enabling Policy Environment for Data-Utilizing Businesses: AI, Payments, Encryption, and Accounting/tax Services
Nigel Cory gave a presentation at a Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) senior officials meeting in Puetro Varas, Chile.
Cross-Border Data Flows
Nigel Cory discussed cross-border data flows during a panel at George Mason University’s Eighth Annual Public Policy Institute on Financial Services.