This research project is led by the UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose (UCL IIPP).
Explore all IIPP research projects here.
Dates of the project: 2021
The Challenge
Early national AI strategies attempted to balance ethics and competitiveness, but they fell short in guiding the long-term direction of AI innovation amid shifting global competition and geopolitics. There is a growing need for governance frameworks that go beyond risk mitigation and address the strategic direction of AI development – ensuring it serves public purpose and societal goals.
Our Approach
At UCL IIPP, we are developing the analytical tools needed to understand and shape the directionality of AI innovation ecosystems across different levels of governance. This project bridges foundational academic research with policy design, laying the groundwork for the next generation of mission and purpose oriented AI strategies. We aim to support governments in assessing, designing, and implementing AI policies that are aligned with public value and long-term societal outcomes.
Why This Matters
AI is rapidly transforming economies and societies, but without clear direction, it risks reinforcing existing inequalities and undermining democratic governance. By advancing new frameworks for AI strategy rooted in public purpose, this project helps ensure that AI innovation contributes to inclusive, sustainable, and mission-driven outcomes. It also strengthens the capacity of governments to lead in shaping AI for people and planet.
Resources
Video: Digital Sovereignty for people and the planet: how to get there?
Description: A debate on the strategic priorities and risks for governments pursuing digital sovereignty, amid growing Big Tech dominance and geopolitical tensions.
Video: AI For Good? Platforms, Ethics and Public Value
Speakers: Mariana Mazzucato, Gabriela Ramos, Carissa Véliz and Ian Hogarth.
Description: A panel discussion on how digitalisation and AI can drive public value and purpose, especially in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.
Video: From Digital Feudalism to Digital Sovereignty
Speakers: Mariana Mazzucato, Mike Bracken, Francesca Bria, David Eaves, Rainer Kattel and Cecilia Rikap.
Description: A panel introduces new frameworks for digital sovereignty, including IIPP’s EuroStack and Reclaiming Digital Sovereignty reports, exploring how states can govern digital power democratically and sustainably.
EuroStack – A European Alternative for Digital Sovereignty
Bria, F; Timmers, P. and Gernone, F. (2025): EuroStack – A European Alternative for Digital Sovereignty. Bertelsmann Stiftung. Gütersloh.
Read the report
Interactions Between Artificial Intelligence and Digital Public Infrastructure: Concepts, Benefits, and Challenges
Nagar, S., & Eaves, D. (2024). Interactions Between Artificial Intelligence and Digital Public Infrastructure: Concepts, Benefits, and Challenges. arXiv.
Read the article
Governing artificial intelligence in the public interest
Mazzucato, M., Schaake, M., Krier, S. and Entsminger, J. (2022). Governing artificial intelligence in the public interest. UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose, Working Paper Series (IIPP WP 2022-12).
Read the working paper
Governments Must Shape AI’s Future
Project Syndicate
Authors: Mariana Mazzucato and Fausto Gernone
Read the Op-Ed
Funder
This project is funded by The Rockefeller Foundation.
This research project is led by the UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose (UCL IIPP).
Explore all IIPP research projects here.
Contact
UCL IIPP Co-Deputy Director and Professor of Innovation and Public Governance
Click to email. r.kattel@ucl.ac.uk