This July, PULSE, the monthly newsletter from Data for Policy, spotlights the intensifying momentum in AI governance and innovation. As nations navigate rapid technological shifts, a clear theme emerges: urgency and ambition.
Germany unveiled an aggressive AI offensive with a bold target deriving 10% of its GDP from AI by 2030. In the UK, the “Engines of AI” strategy and the launch of a GOV.UK app signalled a commitment to digital public service transformation. Meanwhile, the United States released America’s AI Action Plan, detailing over 90 measures designed to supercharge innovation, infrastructure, and global influence.
On the multilateral front, the EU introduced a General-Purpose AI Code of Practice for AI developers, and the World Economic Forum joined forces with the UAE to launch the Global Regulatory Innovation Platform. These developments underline a growing consensus: agility, cooperation, and public trust are essential in governing AI.
Across sectors, major players like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google advanced frontier technologies sparking vital debates about transparency, ethical use, and public consent. From Ghana’s pan-African coalition for unified AI governance to Sri Lanka’s GovPay upgrades, this month affirms AI’s sweeping influence on society, economy, and governance.
From Data for Policy CIC: Thought Leadership & Community Highlights
- Co-Governing AI in the Public Sector: New Frameworks by Dr Zeynep Engin: At CampDigital 2025 and the UIK Summer School in Spain, our Founding Director Dr Zeynep Engin introduced two timely governance concepts: the Human-AI Governance (HAIG) framework and Symbiotic Public Systems (SPS). These models push beyond trust, proposing co-governance between AI and public institutions centred on accountability, collaboration, and citizen participation.
- New Global Fellowship: Expressions of Interest Now Open: The Data for Policy–Cambridge Global Fellowship is now accepting expressions of interest. Designed for leaders shaping the data-driven future, this 12-month programme offers a unique blend of online learning, in-residence mentoring, and real-world impact through four thematic pillars: DPI, Data-for-Policy, Algorithmic Governance, and GovTech.
- Peace Through Data: Insights from our Zoom Talk Series: Our latest Zoom Talk convened experts from The GovLab, CMI, University of Lucerne, and University of Birmingham to explore “Data for Peace.” Key themes included early warning systems, dual-use risks, and the role of data in conflict prevention based on our special collection in Data & Policy. Watch now on the Data for Policy YouTube channel.
On Our Radar: This month brings significant strides in AI policy and governance worldwide. The United States unveiled its ambitious “Winning the AI Race” plan, featuring over 90 measures aimed at accelerating AI innovation and deployment. Meanwhile, the European Union published its AI Code of Practice, setting the stage for the upcoming implementation of the AI Act. On the technology front, OpenAI launched the ChatGPT Agent, introducing more autonomous capabilities that promise to reshape user interactions. Across the Atlantic, the UK is testing a new GOV.UK app while collaborating with Google to enhance civil service skills in AI and digital tools. Germany announced a bold economic target, aiming for AI-driven contributions to reach 10% of GDP by 2030. The World Economic Forum and the UAE joined forces to create a Global Regulatory Innovation Platform, focusing on harmonising AI regulations internationally. In Asia, China mandated the labelling of AI-generated content to increase transparency, while Ghana is leading a regional initiative to establish unified AI governance frameworks across Africa.
Reports & White Papers: Several key reports and toolkits have been released that deepen our understanding of AI’s impact and governance. The OECD’s report on AI and the future of social protection highlights how AI could transform welfare systems. The UK’s DSIT published its June 2025 Cyber Security Newsletter, detailing recent developments in digital safety. UNESCO and ITU jointly released a Data Governance Toolkit aimed at helping policymakers manage data responsibly. New Zealand unveiled its National AI Strategy, charting the country’s approach to AI innovation and ethics. Additionally, Apple shared a technical report on foundation models, offering insights into the core technologies powering today’s AI systems.
Must-Read Research Highlights: This month’s research covers a diverse range of topics from cutting-edge technical innovation to in-depth policy analysis and real-world applications:
- “China’s AI Policy at the Crossroads: Balancing Development and Control in the DeepSeek Era”: An in-depth look at China’s strategic approach to AI development, balancing rapid technological progress with regulatory oversight amid intense global competition.
- “Generative AI and Copyright — Training, Creation, Regulation” : A European Parliament study calls for clearer copyright frameworks for generative AI, emphasising transparency, fair licensing, and stronger protections for content creators.
- “Advancing Agency: Digital Self-Determination as a Framework for AI Governance”: This paper proposes empowering individuals with greater control over AI interactions, promoting digital autonomy as a foundation for responsible AI governance.
- “Who Are You? The Innovation Roles of Municipal Governments in AI Governance”: Examines the multifaceted and evolving roles that local governments play in shaping AI policy, fostering innovation, and implementing regulation at the municipal level.
Latest Blogs: In July, many insightful blog pieces have been published, offering fresh perspectives on AI governance and research. Contributors focus on practical and policy-oriented approaches to technology deployment and governance. Highlights include the G7 Hiroshima Process advancing responsible AI aligned with democratic values; challenges and solutions for AI governance in agriculture; and AI-powered initiatives promoting inclusion and improved service delivery in Latin America’s informal settlements. Google’s newest cybersecurity measures in the AI era are also featured, alongside a visual deep-dive into global disparities in AI infrastructure that reveal growing inequalities in access to computing power. The LSE Inequalities blog warns how unequal access to AI risks deepening social divides, while ethical concerns about AI use in academic assessment are explored. Additionally, the rise of intelligent AI agents poised to transform digital interfaces is discussed. Finally, the Open Data Institute calls for governments to treat data as a strategic public asset essential for innovation and governance.
To dive into the full July 2025 newsletter, click here.
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