About the chair
In order to unpack the new dynamics of a digital transformation in society, the Brussels School of Governance (BSoG) at VUB, in association with the United Nations University Institute on Comparative and Regional Studies (UNU-CRIS), set up the Chair on Digital Sovereignty. Both will work closely with sponsors to deliver timely and relevant outputs in written form (policy briefs, op-eds, etc.) and dissemination efforts to the Brussels and UN communities.
Deepening our academic understanding of the digital transformation of international society is necessary. The Chair focuses on research evaluating and assessing contemporary developments, and specifically on the role of technology in affecting and effecting change in political institutions. It is driven by a desire to help forge a better understanding of how a pluralist new world order can emerge to ensure sustainable development for all, reflecting on the emergent and divergent meanings of sovereignty in the 21st century.
Fast forward to:
The role of traditional state actors?
Traditional state actors play a dominant role in international society as security providers, regulators and tax collectors. Yet their dominance is being questioned under the influence of the profound digital transformation. Security, economic growth, education and healthcare are policy areas in which the governance role is shifting from the traditional government to a more complex mix of multiple policy-determining actors.
Objectives
- Interaction and engagement between researchers and practitioners
with a strong focus on Brussels, Geneva and New York. - Capacity building of young and experienced researchers
from other parts of the world and different backgrounds. - Conducting research of a globally renowned quality
through journal publications and research events at international conferences. - Enabling delivery of advanced level education
At the advanced MSc and Research MA levels.
Chairholder
Prof. Dr. Jamal Shahin
Prof. Dr. Jamal Shahin is the Programme Director of the Advanced Master European Integration and an Assistant Professor at the Brussels School of Governance. He is also a Senior Lecturer at the University of Amsterdam and Professorial Fellow at the United Nations University-CRIS in Bruges, where he directs the Cluster on Digital Governance. Mr Shahin holds a PhD in Politics from the University of Hull (2005). Finally, he acts as Principal Investigator on the GREMLIN project.
His research interests focus on global internet governance, political participation in democratic systems and EU governance.
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Academic chair details
Faculty: Faculty of Social Sciences and Solvay Business School
Type of chair: Research
Foundation year: 2021