Intelligence Program
Datasphere Fellowship Program
2024 - 2025
The Datasphere Initiative Fellowship is an interdisciplinary, global and diverse community of academics and practitioners with a mission to responsibly unlock the value of data for all.
Building on the experience of the first cohort (2021–2022), the second cohort (2022–2023), and the third cohort (2023–2024), the fourth cohort (2024–2025) continues to expand the geographical and thematic reach of the Datasphere Fellowship. While earlier cohorts explored issues ranging from data cooperation and sustainability for climate action to AI policy, gender inclusion in digital ecosystems, and regional approaches to responsible innovation, the fourth cohort adds new perspectives on the governance of emerging technologies. Their work examines topics such as the evolving landscape of regulatory sandboxes, adaptive governance models for fast-moving technologies, and the role of experimentation in shaping trustworthy and inclusive digital ecosystems. Together, the cohorts demonstrate the growing relevance of interdisciplinary research and global collaboration in navigating the complexities of the datasphere.
"We can use the power of technology and the internet to share our voices and let ourselves be heard."
Our fellow Elaine Zhang shared how the Fellowship broadened her perspective on data governance and allowed her to connect regional insights from Asia with global conversations on responsible innovation. In her video, she reflects on how the program strengthened her research on regulatory sandboxes, deepened her understanding of cross-border collaboration, and provided a platform to engage with diverse experts shaping the future of AI governance. Her takeaways highlight the importance of experimentation, adaptability, and inclusive policymaking in building a more agile and trustworthy datasphere.
Read the fellows blogs
The fourth cohort of Fellows contributed fresh insights on emerging trends shaping digital governance around the world. In her blog “Exploring the Sandbox Landscape in Asia,” Fellow Elaine Zhang maps the rapid evolution of regulatory experimentation across South Asia and the East Asia & Pacific regions, underscoring how sandboxes are becoming critical tools for responsible innovation. By unpacking regional dynamics, institutional approaches, and lessons learned, her analysis demonstrates how localized experimentation can strengthen global cooperation on AI and data governance. Together, the cohort’s contributions illuminate how the datasphere can be leveraged to advance trust, agility, and more inclusive governance frameworks.
