Center for Information Technology Policy (CITP)

Business Profile

Core Value Proposition

Center for Information Technology Policy (CITP) provides a nexus of expertise at Princeton that informs the debate on digital technology and society by integrating basic and applied research with societal engagement, with a focus on AI, data science & society, privacy & security, and digital infrastructure & platforms.

Target Customer

Policy makers, researchers, and philanthropic leaders engaged in technology governance; university students (undergraduate and graduate) and fellows; government agencies and public sector organizations; nonprofit and advocacy groups; industry researchers and professionals participate in programs and events.

Key Differentiator

Tightly integrates basic research, applied research, and societal engagement across technology policy; cross-disciplinary collaboration across engineering, public policy, and social sciences; active public-facing programs (mini-minor, clinics, fellowships) and Washington, DC engagement; hosted and collaborative environments for state and national AI policy discussions.

Implementation Timeline

Programs operate on academic-year cycles; the 2026–27 Fellows Program application deadline is December 1, 2025. The Emerging Scholars Program for 2026–28 will open in early October (as stated for the upcoming cycle).

Pain Points

1Need to better understand and govern the relationship between technology and society, particularly in AI, privacy, security, and digital infrastructure.
2Gap between advanced research and practical policy implementation; translating academic work into policy discussions and decisions.
3Limited pathways for students, researchers, and policymakers to collaborate on technology policy and public-interest technology initiatives.

Key Features

1Research focus areas: Artificial Intelligence, Data Science & Society; Digital Infrastructure & Platforms; Privacy & Security.
2Educational programs: Undergraduate Minor in Computing, Society and Policy; various fellowships and clinics (e.g., Siegel Public Interest Technology - Summer Fellowship; CITP Tech Policy Clinic; Emerging Scholars Program; Fellows Program).
3Public engagement: Conferences, lectures, seminars, and briefings (including events in Washington, DC).
4Fellowship and staff programs: Fellows Program (Postdoctoral/Visiting roles, Microsoft Visiting roles); Emerging Scholars Program (post-baccalaureate staff paths).
5Publications, reports, and policy precepts: News, blogs, and research outputs such as Shaping the Future of AI reports.

Target Customer Industries

Decision Makers

1Postdoctoral Research Associate
2Visiting Research Scholar
3Visiting Professional
4Microsoft Visiting Research Scholar/Visiting Professor

Client Results

1Policy-relevant research that informs debates on digital technology and governance.
2Convene AI policymakers, researchers, and philanthropic leaders to shape public policy.
3Publications, reports, and briefings to guide state/federal AI policy and public services.
4Public events and conferences that connect policymakers with researchers and practitioners.

Competitive Advantages

1Interdisciplinary, cross-campus approach spanning SEAS and SPIA.
2Strong emphasis on societal engagement and real-world policy impact.
3Active DC presence for policy briefings and conferences.
4Multiple structured programs (minor, clinics, fellowships) that cultivate policy-oriented tech research and public-service outcomes.

Key Benefits

1Policy-relevant research and guidance on digital technology and governance.

2Educational and training pathways (minor, clinics, fellowships) to develop future leaders in tech policy.

3Regular events, conferences, and briefings that connect policymakers with researchers.

4Publications and reports that influence public policy and governance decisions.

Case Studies & Success Stories

Shaping the Future of AI: A National Gathering for State AI Leaders

Case #1

A CITP report and conference that brought together over 120 AI policymakers, researchers, and philanthropic leaders (including 55 government leaders) to discuss responsible AI adoption and governance by state and local governments.

Could AI Slow Science? Confronting the Production-Progress Paradox

Case #2

CITP analysis/publication exploring the relationship between AI and scientific progress.

CITP Hosts Convening of State AI Leaders: State AI Leaders Gather at Princeton To Reimagine Public Services

Case #3

Event showcasing state AI leaders collaborating to rethink public services with AI governance in mind.

Introducing the 2025 Siegel Public Interest Technology Summer Fellowship (PIT-SF) Student Cohort

Case #4

Announcement highlighting the 2025 PIT-SF cohort, illustrating CITP’s role in training public-interest technologists.

New Opportunity for DPI+AI Research at Princeton

Case #5

Announcement of a new opportunity for Princeton undergraduates and graduates: Digital Public Infrastructure and AI (DPI+AI): Metrics, Impact, and Outcomes Research.

Additional Product Information

Product Description

Princeton University center combining technology policy research, policy engagement, and public-interest technology programs to study and shape the social implications of AI, data science, privacy, security, and digital infrastructure.

Target Market

Policy-makers, researchers, academics, students, government agencies, and public-interest organizations seeking research-backed guidance on technology governance and policy.

Unique Value Proposition

A cross-disciplinary hub that integrates basic and applied research with active societal engagement, offering formal programs (minor, clinics, fellowships) and direct policy engagement (DC briefings, state/federal policy conferences) to accelerate policy-relevant tech insights.

Technical Requirements

Not specified in the provided content.

Pricing Model

Not specified in the provided content.

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