About the GDI Institute
An independent global platform for research, education, and public engagement on the infrastructure powering AI and the internet.
Our vision
We imagine a future in which people collaborate across geographies, disciplines, sectors, and institutions to develop responsible and sustainable approaches to the global internet’s infrastructure.
Why we exist
Understanding digital infrastructure requires expertise that no single organization, company, or government can assemble alone. GDII holds that expertise together under independent academic governance: a global consortium of universities that educates the next generation, pursues interdisciplinary research industry cannot credibly conduct alone, and translates findings for public and policy audiences.
What we believe
Independent and objective.
Research, education, and communications keep academic integrity and are not dictated by any funder or company.
Relevant and impactful.
We take on real challenges and translate findings into frameworks, teaching, and decision support.
Global and collaborative.
We were designed as an international network from the start, working with universities, industry, government, and communities.
Long-horizon.
We anticipate emerging needs rather than only reacting to today’s problems.
Responsible.
We support environmental sustainability, economic opportunity, and community benefit in how infrastructure is built.
How the Institute is organized
The Institute works through three connected parts.
The Hub at UC Berkeley
Coordinates education, research, and public engagement. Receives and administers gifts, employs staff, and runs the public engagement office.
The Academic Consortium
Universities and colleges worldwide that develop their own curricula and research in conversation with the network and draw on its shared resources.
The Industry Affiliate community
Companies that share workforce needs, case studies, guest lecturers, data, and pathways from education to employment. Their input is public.