Digital Society

Helping policymakers identify and respond to technology’s challenges, enabling society to harness the benefits of the new information economy

Research, commentary, and events

  • Quantum computer, photo by Bartek Wróblewski/Adobe Stock

    Project

    Applying quantum technologies to the life sciences

    Researchers assessed the global research landscape associated with the development and adoption of quantum technologies in the life sciences, highlighting current developments, opportunities and challenges, initiatives, and activities to help enable the ecosystem in the future.

    05 Oct 2022

  • 3d render of a cryptocurrencty exchange rate panel. Photo by lucadp/AdobeStock

    Project

    Disruptive money: Exploring the future of corporate cryptocurrency

    This project will lay out a framework for considering the public/private balance of benefit and risk in managing money globally as corporate cryptocurrencies attempt to surmount numerous barriers.

    21 Jul 2022

  • Finger pointing to artificial intelligence illustration, photo by Sikov/Adobe Stock

    Project

    Exploring ways to regulate and build trust in AI

    Researchers brought together evidence on the use of labelling initiatives, codes of conduct and other voluntary, self-regulatory mechanisms for the ethical and safe development of artificial intelligence systems.

    25 Apr 2022

  • Social media network and remote work illustration, photo by peshkov/Adobe Stock

    Project

    Using social media data to ‘nowcast’ migration around the globe

    Because official statistics can be delayed or fail to correctly capture the full extent of migration, making informed policy decisions can be a challenge. Researchers developed an approach to compute near-real-time migration estimates for Europe and the United States using social media data.

    16 Dec 2021

  • graphic designer, designer, businesswoman, office, casual clothing, sitting, holding, working, smiling, happy, cheerful, joy, attentive, focused, concentration, artist, graphic tablet, design, designing, digitizer, graphic, editing, stylus, desktop pc, keyboard, mouse, laptop, photograph, photo, pictures, color swatch, sticky notes, digital camera, desk lamp, desk, chair, professional, expertise, skill, digital, modern, profession, millennial, curly hair, smart

    Project

    Examining the digital skills gap

    Researchers assessed the evidence associated with the digital skills gap. The study analysed the key trends driving the gap at a global level and articulated some practical steps to address this challenge and potentially ‘close’ the gap.

    15 Dec 2021

  • Stethoscope on tablet computer with digital images, photo by BillionPhotos.com/Adobe Stock

    Project

    Assessing EHR for infectious disease surveillance, prevention and control

    Electronic health records (EHR) data could greatly help infectious disease surveillance, but their use varies across Europe. Researchers mapped EHR use to assess the feasibility of using EHR data for infectious disease surveillance.

    10 Dec 2021

  • 5G network with high speed motion blur, photo illustration by Tierney/Adobe Stock

    Project

    5G supply market trends

    An in-depth analysis of plausible developments of the 5G equipment and services supply market looking out to 2030 identified four potential trend scenarios and analysed economic, technological, environmental, and societal impacts for each.

    23 Aug 2021

  • Geirangerfjord in Norway, a Unesco World Heritage site, photo by MyWorld/Adobe Stock

    Project

    Tackling societal challenges and guiding the future of research and innovation in Norway

    Researchers identified 20 priority missions and 10 structural measures that could help the Research Council of Norway to develop a strong and resilient research and innovation environment across a range of strategic areas.

    09 Aug 2021

  • Big data futuristic abstract visualization with map, illustration by monsitj/Adobe Stock

    Project

    Protecting human rights in the digital age

    Interventions to foster and strengthen safeguards for human rights in the digital age take place in a rapidly evolving technology, political and socio-cultural landscape. Several overarching principles could inform and guide organisations' capacity-building efforts.

    04 Aug 2021

  • Double exposure of man holding a credit card, with data theme drawing, photo by peshkova/Adobe Stock

    Project

    Future scenarios of the Credit Information Market

    Researchers identified four plausible scenarios of how the credit information market might develop in five to ten years’ time, as well as five key drivers of change.

    29 Jul 2021

  • Tiny people forming a DNA helix, image by Mopic/Adobe Stock

    Project

    Supporting Your DNA, Your Say

    RAND Europe is providing support to the Your DNA, Your Say project in terms of design and implementation of the analysis of survey data and reporting results in scientific papers.

    08 Jul 2021

  • Conceptual representation of the protection and interaction of the personal data of the inhabitants of the planet and industrial data using artificial intelligence and the Internet of things, photo by kosssmosss/Adobe Stock

    Project

    How AI can support the European Border and Coast Guard

    Three baseline gaps should be addressed to maximise the opportunities provided by artificial intelligence in European border security: knowledge gaps between stakeholder groups; organisational, structural, cultural and expertise gaps; and broader gaps in the evidence base.

    29 Mar 2021

  • Group of diverse people with speech bubbles, illustration by melita/Adobe Stock

    Project

    The use of public engagement for technological innovation

    Because different public engagement techniques may be more or less effective in promoting selected outcomes, researchers found that a diverse range of techniques should be used to engage the public in technological innovation.

    29 Jan 2021

  • Skull hologram on modern computer background, cybercrime and hacking concept, photo by Igor/Adobe Stock

    Project

    Technology and the future of cybercrime

    To prepare for and mitigate the impact of emerging technologies on cybercrime, Estonia could consider broad anti-cybercrime capacity building; seek legal, regulatory and organisational agility; and invest in technological expertise, skills and research.

    15 Dec 2020

  • Close-up of police body camera, photo by Lutsenko Oleksandr/Adobe Stock

    Project

    Assessing the impacts of digital government transformation in the EU

    A case study on the use of body worn cameras by police forces in the UK offers an example of how governments can potentially take advantage of emerging digital technologies to address systemic challenges.

    26 Jun 2020