Research

We conduct pioneering, transdisciplinary research, aimed at deepening our understanding of technological and social change. Our focus areas span three knowledge clusters: Politics and Policy, Economic Prosperity, and Security.

Technological Change, Politics and Policy

  • European Union flags fluttering in front of a modern building with a digital screen showing a map of Europe.

    EUROPEAN TECH INSIGHTS

    This annual study maps European attitudes towards technological change and the governance of emerging technologies.

  • Three women are focused on their work in a modern office setting.

    AI4Democratic Prosperity

    This research project analyzes the intersection of AI with prosperity and democracy, bringing together pioneering research, high-level conferences and real-world application.

  • Photographers capturing a session at a modern, crowded parliamentary chamber with a blue and white color scheme.

    AI4DEMOCRACY

    A global initiative that seeks to create knowledge and mobilize governments and companies to promote a responsible use of AI to defend and strengthen democracy.

  • A woman smiles while speaking at a podium with 'Tech4Democracy' and logos of Microsoft and IE University in the background.

    TECH4DEMOCRACY

    This research program aims to advance democracy-affirming technologies, studying them through the prism of geopolitics and global governance.

  • A modern graphic design featuring geometric shapes and text 'THE NEXT FIFTY' on a blue background.

    THE NEXT FIFTY

    This report dives into citizens' expectations and predictions for the year 2073, offering foresight into how people anticipate global challenges.

  • A large crowd of people gathered for a protest in an urban setting.

    THE DIGITAL REVOLUTION AND THE NEW SOCIAL CONTRACT

    This research program analyzes the digital domain and the fracture of our social contract to advance realistic solutions for future agreements.

  • A server room with racks of data servers and a glass door at the end of the aisle.

    DATA, PRIVACY AND THE INDIVIDUAL

    This research project focuses on how European companies and organizations can embrace the GDPR while remaining competitive and improving their services and decision-making processes.

  • A large, futuristic sculpture featuring intricate calligraphy in an urban setting.

    AI Policy Pathways for the Arab Region 

    This research project combines research, policy analysis, and regional consultation in the Arab region — identifying strategic priorities for AI adoption, mapping emerging trends, and highlighting best practices from within the region and globally. 

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    AI4Gov-X

    This project is dedicated to shaping the future of public administration by equipping European civil servants with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to harness the power of AI.

Technology and Economic Prosperity

  • A man wearing an EEG cap observes brainwave readings on a monitor.

    The Neurotechnology Shift

    This project explores the features, drivers, and ethical dilemmas surrounding the migration of neurotechnologies from clinical settings into the consumer market.

  • Aerial view of a city skyline at night with illuminated skyscrapers under a dark blue sky.

    DRIVERS OF CHANGE: SOVEREIGN WEALTH

    This Project generates knowledge, research and awareness on sovereign investors, representing new ways of long-term and state capitalism in the 21st-century economy.

  • A line of wind turbines against a clear blue sky.

    SOVEREIGN IMPACT INITIATIVE

    This project aims to transform the investment culture of sovereign wealth funds to accelerate the channeling of financial resources to impactful projects aligned with the SDGs.

  • Blurred image of busy people moving in a cityscape environment, suggesting motion and urban life.

    PUBLICTECH LAB

    The PublicTech Lab is an initiative within the Center for the Governance of Change for tackling government transformation from the outer and from within.

  • Medical professionals operating advanced robotic machinery in a surgical room.

    INNOVATION, SUSTAINABILITY AND THE FUTURE OF HEALTHCARE

    The goal of this program is to study the future of the healthcare system in Europe, focusing on the emergence of new technologies and the need to respond to changes in demography, life expectancy, disease prevalence, and the political ecosystem.

  • A robotic arm performing a task in a factory setting with a male worker monitoring the process in the background.

    HIGHER EDUCATION AND THE FUTURE OF WORK

    The goal of this program is to analyze the knowledge and skills that employers demand and how good a job are higher education institutions doing providing that training.

  • A person making a payment using a mobile phone, with a card reader held by another hand, over a cafe table with desserts.

    CRYPTOCURRENCIES AND THE FUTURE OF MONEY

    This program analyzes how cryptocurrencies could be used for the betterment of society, how they currently function and how the general public use, understand and trust cryptocurrencies.

  • A smartphone with earphones and a graphical sound level on the screen, lying on a dark surface next to a pen.

    LYRAICS: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR LYRICS

    This program will build a recommendation engine for lyrics in Spanish using Artificial Intelligence and Natural Language Processing.

  • A view of three futuristic tree-like structures and two domed buildings beside a water body under a clear sky.

    SUSTAINABLE AND INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT THROUGH TOURISM

    This project supports the G20 and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) ongoing efforts to advance inclusive and sustainable community development through tourism.

  • Group of businesspeople crossing a busy city street with modern buildings in the background.

    THE FOURTH SECTOR

    This project supports the SEGIB and UNDP’s ongoing efforts to advance a new ecosystem for benefit-driven enterprises that will help create a more prosperous, socially just and environmentally sustainable economy.

Emerging Technologies and Security

  • A futuristic representation of a quantum computer with glowing components.

    Quantum Policy Lab

    The Quantum Policy Lab aims to advance quantum governance in the EU, addressing barriers and promoting effective policy agendas.

  • An empty office space with multiple computer desks and a dark ambiance.

    Cyber Readiness: NIS2 IN SPAIN

    This project analyzes the gaps between the current cybersecurity maturity of organizations newly subject to the NIS2 Directive and the requirements imposed by the regulation

  • A plane flies above skyscrapers under a partly cloudy sky.

    Next Generation Security

    This project aims at engaging future leaders in the debate at the intersection of security and technology.

  • A person holding a smartphone in a dimly lit bus environment.

    Countering Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference

    This project aims to identify actions to counter hybrid threats, disinformation, and foreign interference in Africa.

  • A blue flag with a white emblem of NATO waving against a cloudy sky.

    Safer Tomorrow: Security Starts with You(th)

    This project aims at engaging future leaders in the debate at the intersection of security and technology.

  • Two military personnel, one female and one male, are analyzing satellite imagery on computer monitors in a dimly lit room.

    Non-Military Warfare and Governance

    This project analyzes the impact of the increasing use of non-military warfare on the character of modern conflict.

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