Democracy and New Technologies

Faculty Leads

Emerging technologies are reshaping democratic life — altering how citizens receive information, how power is exercised, and how participation and accountability are organized. The question is not whether technology will change democracy, but whether democratic institutions can keep pace. In the future we build, how can democracy shape technology to serve the public, and how can technology shape new opportunities for democratic participation and engagement?

This pillar examines the governance implications of artificial intelligence, algorithmic decision-making, surveillance, digital finance, and evolving information ecosystems. Through interdisciplinary research and collaboration with public and private partners, the work aims to identify practical policies and institutional arrangements that align technological innovation with democratic values.

Research Focus Areas

• The democratic implications of AI, algorithmic decision-making, and evolving information ecosystems
• How technological systems interact with core democratic values: transparency, accountability, inclusion, and rights
• Where existing governance frameworks succeed — and where they fall short
• Policies and institutional arrangements that align innovation with democratic principles

Disciplinary Foundation

This pillar draws on computer science, law, public policy, ethics, and the social sciences — combining technical knowledge with democratic theory and empirical evaluation to move beyond diagnosis toward workable solutions.

Deliverables

Research focused on:

• Analysis of existing governance frameworks and where they succeed or fail
• Co-developed governance frameworks, policy tools, and pilot interventions applicable nationally and globally
• Practical approaches to ensuring emerging technologies strengthen — rather than erode — democratic governance