Governance & Technology

Technology shapes how we live, work, and connect. From artificial intelligence to digital platforms, technological systems increasingly mediate access to resources, rights, and opportunities. The Governance & Technology team examines how societies can steer these developments toward justice and sustainability.

Our research spans diverse questions. 

• How can speech technology preserve linguistic diversity? 
• What governance frameworks ensure AI systems serve marginalized communities? 
• How do data infrastructures enable or constrain democratic participation? 

We approach these challenges through multiple disciplines, combining insights from political science, computer science, ethics, law, and communication studies.

The team works at the intersection of technical development and social impact. Some of us build language technologies. Others analyze policy frameworks or study algorithmic governance. Together, we bridge the gap between what technology can do and what it should do.

Our work connects to real-world challenges. We collaborate with regional partners on digital governance, contribute to European policy discussions on responsible AI, and develop tools that address linguistic inequality. The questions we ask matter to communities navigating rapid technological change.

At Campus Fryslân, we bring together scholars at different career stages, from PhD candidates to full professors. This creates space for mentorship, experimentation, and interdisciplinary learning. We value technical rigor and social awareness, recognizing that good governance requires understanding both systems and people.

Technology will continue to reshape society. The Governance & Technology team works to ensure these transformations strengthen democratic values, social equity, and environmental sustainability. We develop the knowledge needed for societies to make informed choices about their technological futures