The Oxford Internet Institute (OII)’s research plays a vital role in enabling effective, forward-looking policymaking in the digital age. We provide rigorous, interdisciplinary insight into how digital technologies are reshaping economies, democracies, and societies, and how evidence-based policy and regulation can help harness digital transformation for public good.
Our work supports decision-makers to respond to complex challenges such as regulating AI, misinformation, algorithmic bias, digital harms, and digital exclusion. At the same time, we help unlock opportunities for inclusive economic growth, innovation, and trustworthy digital infrastructure.
We collaborate with national and local governments, international organisations, civil society, think tanks and parliamentary bodies to help decision-makers navigate a rapidly changing landscape. Our research is frequently cited in policy papers, given in evidence to government consultations and inquiries, presented to parliamentary groups, used to shape regulation, and presented at global policy forums. Here are just a few examples:
Professor Carl-Benedikt Frey’s work on automation, labour markets, and data regulation has shaped policy discussions across Europe. His research has been featured in VoxEU, Project Syndicate, and reports by Citi Global Insights and the Tony Blair Institute, and cited by the World Bank, IMF, and World Economic Forum.
Professor Chris Russell researches algorithmic fairness and legal accountability in AI. His work, published in Royal Society Open Science and featured in Nature and New Scientist, has influenced ethical frameworks and tools used by public institutions, including the NHS Clinical AI Fellowship.
Professors Sandra Wachter and Brent Mittelstadt have influenced policy and business practices through their work on AI explainability and algorithmic bias. Their methods have been cited by the UK Government, European Commission, and adopted by Google, Vodafone, IBM, and Accenture.
Discover more about how OII makes an impact.
The OII designs, delivers and contributes to policy events and regularly invites politicians and policymakers to speak. For example:
At the Oxford Internet Institute (OII), we provide executive education programmes that equip leaders from government and civil society with the critical understanding and strategic tools they need to navigate the changes brought about through digital transformation.
For example, we ran a Google-supported, invitation-only short course for global policy and thought leaders, fostering informed debate on key digital policy challenges. The course comprised lectures, seminars and panel sessions led by OII faculty.
Our Visiting Policy Fellowship programme invites senior professionals from business, government, and civil society to spend time at OII, contributing to our research community while pursuing their own policy or industry-focused agenda. Over a two-year period, fellows join a vibrant intellectual community, participate in events, and produce public-facing outputs, such as white papers or reports, that inform and influence industry and policy debates.
Visiting Policy Fellow
Antony is Head of Institutional Strategy at the UK AI Security Institute. His work focuses on AI governance, institutional and statutory design for emerging technologies, and digital regulation.
Visiting Policy Fellow
Mark Boris is an AI and tech policy expert, former Slovenian Minister for Digital Transformation, and advisor to governments and companies on governing and integrating emerging technologies.
Visiting Policy Fellow
Gill has spent the last 3 years mobilising tech regulation on behalf of several of the UK's largest regulators, including leading Ofcom's implementation of the Online Safety Act. Prior to this, she worked at Google, Channel Four, BBC and Deloitte.
We invite policymakers, regulators, and public institutions to collaborate with us, whether through collaborative research, advisory roles, events, or co-designed programmes.
