Call for experts: Policy Lab on governance and artificial intelligence (AI)

We are launching a series of Policy Labs designed to bring together leading academics and policy makers to engage with some of the most pressing and complex challenges facing the UK and the international community today. At a time of profound political, social, and economic uncertainty, there is an urgent need for sustained, collaborative spaces that bridge scholarly expertise and policy practice.

The BISA Policy Labs will provide such a space. Through structured dialogue, co-creation, and critical reflection, participants will work collectively to generate insights that inform policy development and implementation in meaningful and tangible ways. Each Policy Lab will be conducted in person, over one business day, at a location commutable from London. They will be organised under the Chatham House rule to enable open and frank discussion.

By convening diverse perspectives and fostering close interaction between research and practice, the Policy Labs seek not only to deepen understanding of key issues, but to facilitate genuine advancement in priority policy areas.

Our first Policy Lab series will be on Governance and Artificial Intelligence (AI). We are looking for BISA members who are expert scholars that can contribute to a conversation on one or more of the areas listed below.

1. The erosion of domestic–international boundaries in technology governance

   Technological innovation is dissolving traditional borders between domestic and international spheres. Actions taken within national jurisdictions increasingly have global consequences, while technology firms depend on cross-border supply chains and data flows. This challenges sovereignty, risks fragmentation, and opens discussions about domestic priorities and international frameworks.

2. Strategic dependencies in AI adoption

   States are accelerating AI adoption by relying on external capabilities, mainly from the US and China. While this supports short-term growth, it creates long-term vulnerabilities, stifles domestic innovation, and risks strategic dependency.

3. Digital sovereignty and alternative governance models

   In response to US and Chinese dominance, states are pursuing digital sovereignty and new governance frameworks. These initiatives can strengthen resilience and bargaining power but risk isolation and fragmentation.

If you are interested in joining the Policy Lab(s), please complete the short expression of interest form by Monday 2 February 2026. The sessions will be closed and we will be in touch by email after the call closes with dates and locations should you be accepted. Please note the requirement to be a BISA member in order to be eligible. There is a small budget for travel expenses for academic experts. More details on how to apply will be sent to those who are accepted following the deadline.

You will not be required to present a paper but rather contribute to meaningful and tangible discussions.

If your work is related to governance and AI intelligence but doesn’t fit with one of the three areas listed above, we would still be interested to hear from you. In this case please email Juliet Dryden, BISA CEO/Director: Juliet.Dryden@bisa.ac.uk with brief details of your area of expertise.

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