Advancing the Frontiers of
AI Governance
We work across sectors to reshape technology adoption in practical ways, to benefit cities and states, communities, and human beings.
OUR VISION
The MIT Initiative for Responsible AI (MIRA) envisions a world where human needs and societal well-being motivate technological change.
Rather than trail behind, as companies push new AI solutions, governing institutions at all levels can work proactively to guide the broader ecosystem to more socially beneficial outcomes.
We aim to shift the focus beyond AI's technical features, toward whole-of-society efforts to plan for new opportunities and manage potential impacts. By working collaboratively, far-sighted governments, leading innovators, vigilant civic groups, and everyday citizens can ensure that the risks are managed and the benefits are shared.
OUR APPROACH
Multi-stakeholder engagement, partnerships & thought leadership
Research &
Thought Leadership
Our team dives deep on AI issues of concern to government officials and civic groups. Our research explains how new, evolving capabilities have the potential to impact public welfare—for good or ill. By closely tracking AI governance (including national and municipal governments), we compile a toolkit of responses to emerging trends.
Capacity Building with Government + Civic Actors
Through regular training programs, we empower government officials, and other practitioners advocating for the public interest, to meaningfully engage on AI issues. We foster awareness of the technology landscape and explore effective governance strategies—including suitable uses of AI and risk management frameworks.
Governance Dialogues
& Partnerships
We convene diverse groups of AI stakeholders—technology firms, bespoke solutions providers, government officials and lawmakers, members of public bodies and commissions (such as schools, museums, and human rights commissions), and non-profit civic groups.
These dialogues draw out helpful practices in addressing evolving AI governance challenges, which are shared among the MIRA community.
MIT Collaborators
A diverse network of research, government. and industry partners are working together to drive responsible AI innovation, adoption and impact. Each partner offers expertise to collectively advance the responsible implementation of AI technologies at different levels of government.
MIT Urban Studies & Planning
JTL Urban
Mobility Lab
M3S at
MIT SMART