Shaping the future of internet and AI governance

Strategic foresight – what may the landscape of global digital policy be in 2040?

During the first Strategy Forum on 6 September, participants from science, civil society, politics, and business joined a conversation on the future of internet governance and artificial intelligence. Emphasising the importance of the digital space, State Secretary Schnorr said:

“The use of digital technologies is increasingly taking on a geopolitical component. Germany must have the ambition to help shape digitalisation internationally. We must also fight for values such as freedom and democracy in the digital space. With our strategy for international digital policy, we are positioning ourselves as a reliable partner when it comes to shaping a digital order that promotes democracy, prosperity and resilience. We advocate an open and free internet without censorship and promote innovation-friendly and human-centred rules for artificial intelligence”

During the Strategy Forum, the two task forces were formed. Using the strategic foresight methodology, these task forces will develop scenarios for AI governance and Internet governance in 2040. The foreign policy dimensions in this process are decisive to understand how stakeholders can already set the course. The scenarios will be presented at the next Strategy Forum on 24 February 2025.

Fellowship International Digital Policy – engaging the next generation

During the strategy forum, the importance of the next generation of digital policy players was underlined by State Secretary Stefan Schnorr and Tobias Bacherle, Member of Parliament for Alliance 90/The Greens. The involvement of young people aged between 18 and 30 is encouraged by the International Digital Policy Fellowship. Through the newly established fellowship, the BMDV is implementing important elements of the Strategy for International Digital Policy. The programme supports participants who are interested in and committed to digital policy on a personal and professional level. For example, they can take part in internationally significant events such as the IGF 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and gain in-depth insights into multi-stakeholder processes.

Outlook for the projects

Interested persons have until 30 September 2024 to submit their application for the fellowship. After the selection process, the new fellows will come together to get to know each other, exchange ideas and prepare during the kick-off event at the end of November. During autumn and winter, the two task forces work on their first models for the future scenarios. In the meantime, and beyond, the BMDV strongly advocates for a global, open and free Internet through G7, G20, IGF processes and much more.

Curious to see how the other projects and participations develop? You can find regular updates on LinkedIn. The application portal and the BMDV press release are still available.