AI Capacity-Building
The development of artificial intelligence (AI) as both a technology and a cultural phenomenon is of global relevance. Yet existing AI capacities vary considerably between states. While some countries already report a high level of AI readiness, many others are still working to build the technical foundations, data resources, skilled workforce and national AI regulation needed to make their voices heard in international debates. This raises the risk that entire regions become mere recipients of AI systems, rules and side effects, rather than active participants in shaping the future and benefiting from the technology's potential.
For this reason, as part of the pilot project AI Capacity-Development, the Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society (HIIG) is joining the "Global Network of Centres for Exchange and Cooperation on AI Capacity Building" (AI CDN). It is the first German research institute to do so. Supported by the United Nations, the network offers a platform to strengthen the international development of AI capacities. Its members pool their expertise, computing capacity, datasets, models and training programmes to learn from one another and build mutual strength.
Project Outline
In this early, constitutive phase, HIIG is contributing to the establishment of the network, including the development of structures, governance processes and cooperation between individual members. As the German partner, HIIG shares scientific expertise on various aspects of capacity-building with other countries in the network, with a planned focus on countries in the Sub-Saharan Africa region.
Civil society actors in the partner regions have so far had little or no involvement in participatory legislative processes, despite representing the interests of those directly affected by AI applications. Through needs-based knowledge formats, such as talks, webinars, guides and policy briefs, they are to be equipped to develop their own positions on AI regulation and to contribute to international debates on the subject. This takes place through a multi-stakeholder process organised and facilitated by regional network partners with knowledge of local contexts.
About the AI Capacity Development Network
The Global Network of Centres for Exchange and Cooperation on AI Capacity Building (AI CDN) is a newly established, self-governed network with global reach. Bringing together more than 20 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America and the Caribbean, it unites primarily universities, research centres and civil society organisations. Supported by the United Nations, the network offers a platform to strengthen the international development of AI capacities and to close a widening global divide. Capacity-building, in this context, means more than technical infrastructure or computing skills; it also encompasses academically informed and socially embedded governance — that is, expertise in legislation, agreements and structures that enable the responsible use of technology for the common good. The network was officially launched in the context of the UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance in Geneva in July 2026.
HIIG's experience as co-founder of the Global Network of Internet and Society Research Centers (NoC) is feeding directly into the development of the AI CDN from the outset.
Daniel PothmannResearcher: New Technologies and Future of Law
Theresa Züger, Dr.Head of Research: Societal Values, Transformation and AI
- 11.07. DEUTSCHLANDRADIO
Das weltweite KI-Kompetenz-Netzwerk AICDN
Funding
| Duration: | 1 June 2026 – 31 March 2027 |
| Funding: | Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) |
Theresa Züger, Dr.
Societal Values, Transformation and Artificial Intelligence
Our research critically analyses socio-technical transformation processes. It centres on the question of how digital technologies can be more closely aligned with societal goals – particularly with regard to sustainability, the public interest and democratic values.