Mike Jackson

Nomination Statement

Link: https://www.w3.org/2025/04/ab-nominations.html

Mike Jackson is nominated by Microsoft Corporation.

Nomination statement from Mike Jackson:

I'm an engineering manager on the Microsoft Edge team and serve as Microsoft's Advisory Committee alternate representative. I strongly believe in the mission and vision of W3C. The web has become an integral part of the human experience, connecting people, ideas, and opportunities worldwide. As I said in a recent AC meeting presentation (https://www.w3.org/2025/04/AC/talk/jackson#talk), when the web works for everyone - regardless of device, location, or ability — we all benefit, fostering innovation, inclusivity, and progress.

The web has fundamentally shaped my career. I've worked as a web developer on ecommerce platforms and contributed code to three different Microsoft browsers. Today, I oversee Microsoft's Web Platform investments focused on accessibility, layout, composition, input, editing, and web components. Prior to that, I managed teams focused on enhancing web developer tools and expanding the capabilities of progressive web applications. These experiences strengthened my appreciation for the web as a powerful tool for connection, innovation, and knowledge-sharing, shaped by the creativity of web developers.

However, the success of the web is not guaranteed. If elected to the AB, my focus will be on addressing two critical challenges:

AI is advancing at an unprecedented rate, transforming industries, economies, and global policies. I will support the web standards community's efforts to keep pace and to limit potential harms.
The web standards community must learn from other standards-developing organizations (SDO) on engaging with policymakers - while ensuring that its core vision and values remain at the heart of our efforts.

I am committed to actively listening to every voice and ensuring that diverse perspectives are acknowledged and valued.

Thank you for your consideration.

Responses to Questions

What are the challenges facing W3C as an organization in the next two years, and what skills and interests will you bring to the AB to help with addressing them?

I believe there are two large challenges facing the W3C as an organization. Firstly, we live in an era of rapid technological changes, where new technology has the potential to transform entire industries. As an example, over the past few years, we’ve witnessed the disruptive impact of generative AI. As an organization we need to be willing to navigate this fast-paced environment, be more responsive to emerging technology and be willing to adjust the way in which we work. Secondly, the web standards community should gain insights from other standards-developing organizations (SDO) on engaging with policymakers.

In facing these challenges, it is essential that we remain true to the core values of the organization, welcoming all who wish to participate. The web is for everyone.

The AB has been discussing its role in the community and how it may need to be updated to reflect the new governance structure. What do you think the AB's role is, and what do you believe the AB needs to do to fulfill it?

The Advisory Board serves as a vital representative body, advocating for the needs and concerns of the Advisory Committee while serving the interests of the W3C. The Advisory Board should continue to oversee the process and vision documents to ensure the strategy is implemented in accordance with our values. I also believe that it is equally important to foster a more actively engaged Advisory Committee.

The Advisory Board should reduce its number of priorities, with a focus on delivering tangible results. The Advisory Board should be proactive in assessing emerging technologies, evaluating their impact on the W3C’s mission.

What do you think of the W3C Strategical Roadmap reported on AC2025? Which parts in it do you think W3C should prioritize in the coming year or 2?

Overall, I appreciate the direction in which the strategic roadmap is heading as it reflects the challenges I outlined in Question 1. However, certain elements feel overly broad and would benefit from further clarification. For example, the phrase “enhance our impact” lacks specificity, making it difficult to define measurable and actionable steps. On the other hand, priorities such as improving organizational nimbleness are essential for ensuring long-term success.

Which AB priority projects (from https://www.w3.org/wiki/AB/2025_Priorities or new ones) do you want to personally spend time working on?

If elected to the board, I would like to work on strengthening collaboration between the Technical Architecture Group and the Advisory Board. These two groups have unique roles that complement each other, each contributing to a broader and more effective approach to the W3C’s mission.

What do you as an AB candidate believe W3C should be doing about the impact of AI or other emerging technologies on the Web?

AI is advancing rapidly, from generative AI to AGI and virtual agents, unlocking new possibilities. This progress has driven substantial improvements in education, analysis and decision-making, healthcare, research, and accessibility. While AI is enabling new possibilities, we must not ignore emerging risks (e.g. deepfakes, model bias, and bypassing CAPTCHA).

The W3C must act quickly to ensure AI integrates with existing web technologies while upholding the W3C core vision. We should also prioritize educating the broader community of both the benefits and risks to have a well-informed conversation about this technology. Establishing clear and adaptable standards will play a crucial role in ensuring AI is developed and implemented responsibly, fostering innovation while addressing potential pitfalls.