Rethinking technology for Europe’s future
The Technology Initiative brings together two complementary strands of work: the Alternative Infrastructures Lab and the Humanistic Technology Programme. Together, they explore how Europe can shape its technological future by developing alternative infrastructures, rethinking the relationship between technology and society, and placing human values, creativity and long-term thinking at the centre of technological development.
Why: Enabling Europe to shape its own technological future
Technology increasingly shapes how people communicate, access information, learn, work and participate in democratic life. However, many of the infrastructures underpinning these activities are owned and governed by a small number of powerful companies, largely based outside Europe. This creates dependencies that raise questions about Europe's digital sovereignty, strategic autonomy and ability to shape its own future.
At the same time, technological development is often driven by innovation, competition and the pursuit of power, leaving less room for alternative approaches that prioritise human values, sustainability, creativity and long-term thinking.
The Technology Initiative addresses these challenges by exploring how Europe can move beyond simply regulating existing technologies or replicating models developed elsewhere. It seeks to develop alternative technological infrastructures and promote a more humanistic understanding of technology; one that considers not only what technology can do, but also whom it serves and what kind of society it helps create.
What: Building alternative infrastructures and a humanistic approach to technology
The initiative brings together two complementary programmes:
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The Alternative Infrastructures Lab explores alternative technological infrastructures for Europe and the world, starting with the public sphere, research infrastructures and artificial intelligence. It aims to develop new models that strengthen Europe's capacity to shape and govern the technologies on which its societies depend. Combining social sciences, law and technology, it critically examines concepts such as the technological 'stack' and digital sovereignty, while exploring practical alternatives to existing infrastructure models.
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The Humanistic Technology Programme seeks to reconnect technological development with the humanities, natural sciences, arts and hands-on practice. Inspired by the humanist tradition of Renaissance Florence, it promotes a broader understanding of technology that goes beyond digital tools and innovation to include the transmission of knowledge and skills, care for existing resources and solutions designed to last. Its longer-term ambition is to establish a master's and/or PhD programme in Humanistic Technologies that could serve as a model for higher education institutions across Europe.
How: Combining research, experimentation and interdisciplinary collaboration
The Technology Initiative brings together different disciplines and communities to rethink, design and test alternative approaches to technology. Its work combines theoretical research, infrastructure building, practical experimentation and educational innovation.
The Alternative Infrastructures Lab works with social scientists, lawyers, technologists and partners from academia and civil society, including activists, artists, entrepreneurs and policymakers. Its first major project, the Alternative Public Sphere, examines what it would take to build an alternative European social media ecosystem. Activities include mapping existing European social networks and their technological dependencies, bringing together experts and stakeholders in collaborative workshops, and developing and testing practical prototypes with European users. The Lab will also publish alternative proposals from academia and civil society in accessible formats, inviting discussion, criticism and further development.
The Humanistic Technology Programme will develop a new educational and collaborative framework connecting the humanities with natural sciences, artistic practice and technological expertise. Through the development of a master's and/or PhD programme, it aims to create opportunities for students and professionals to explore technology from different perspectives. It will also foster a shared language between researchers, industry, the creative sector, artists and policymakers, encouraging dialogue and collaboration across disciplines and sectors.