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The application for our 2021 Fellowship Program is now open!
The Portulans Institute offers graduate students and young professionals opportunities to work on novel research on human capital, technology and […]
Read moreSmart Cities – Does India Need Them?
Earlier estimates put India’s urban population at about 590 million by 2030. We could add another 100 million if we […]
Read morePortulans Institute continues with STL as Knowledge Partner for the Global Network Readiness Index
Washington DC, USA; May 26, 2021 – The Portulans Institute’s Network Readiness Index (NRI) has announced its extended collaboration with […]
Read moreOnline Education and the Future of Pedagogy
In the evolving educational landscape, a key factor in the success of online education will be how agile educators and […]
Read moreReadiness for Shared Digital Futures in Central America
For demonstrating the utility of index-based assessments of future readiness in action, Central America emerges as an ideal yet challenging […]
Read moreWelcoming the Portulans Institute’s 2021 Communities of Practice!
The Portulans Institute is excited to announce our 2021 Communities of Practice, led by our brilliant Senior Fellows. The Communities […]
Read moreLaying the Roots for a Digital Society: Network Readiness in Nigeria
Nigeria’s booming ICT sector, rich digital entrepreneurial ecosystem and track record in emerging technologies show unique promise. Enhancing network readiness […]
Read moreIntroducing ‘Innovation Exchange’, the Portulans Institute’s New Podcast
In early February, the Portulans Institute launched ‘Innovation Exchange’, a podcast showcasing elements of successful innovation, as told to us […]
Read moreThis International Women’s Day, Amplify the Voices, Perspectives and Experiences of Women in Tech
For over one hundred years, International Women’s Day has been commemorated as a day to celebrate and uplift people identifying […]
Read moreWhy Adaptiveness is at the Heart of Network Readiness: The Case of Estonia
For the past two decades, Estonia has won global plaudits as an impressive trailblazer in digital innovation and is known […]
Read moreHow to Harness Mexico’s Emergent Innovation Potential
Index-based assessment data and analysis from the Portulans Institute suggests that if Mexico adopts a holistic, all-of-country approach to the […]
Read moreThe Turkish Exporters Assembly Tells Us About Turkey’s Digital Transformation, and How to Stay Future-Ready
Portulans staff interviewed Global Innovation Index partner, Mr. İsmail Gülle, Chairman of the Turkiye Ihracatçılar Meclisi (the Turkish Exporters Assembly, […]
Read moreUS Network Readiness is at the Heart of ‘Building Back Better’
President Biden’s newly inaugurated administration confronts a critical moment for US network readiness. While the US is globally celebrated as […]
Read moreTurkey’s Promising Track Record in Network Readiness, Innovation
Turkey has distinguished itself as a digital innovator, with an emerging track record in network readiness, talent competitiveness and innovation […]
Read morePortulans’ ‘Dialogue on Digital Transformation’ Report Consolidates Expert Insights, Identifies Digital Trends for 2021
In 2020, the Portulans Institute launched the flagship Dialogue on Digital Transformation series. Over the course of several months, Portulans […]
Read moreRising Technology Markets: A Comparative Look at Innovation in China and Kenya
China and Kenya are both developing countries that hold promise in terms of technology and innovation. According to the 2020 […]
Read morePortulans Joint Report with CNI Shares Evaluation, Recommendations on Brazil’s Readiness to Address Future Challenges
On 11 December 2020, Portulans Institute and the National Confederation of Industry- Brazil (CNI) proudly announced the launch of the […]
Read more‘Black Leaders in Digital Transformation’: Harnessing Black Youth Innovations and Innovators (GBY Fest 2020)
The Global Black Youth Fest 2020 is a free, two-day, virtual event that creates intentional and alternative spaces for the […]
Read moreDr. Anand Agarwal Shares Insights About Public-Private Partnerships and Digital Transformation
This conversation is part of the Dialogue on Digital Transformation series. Dr. Anand Agarwal is the Group CEO of STL […]
Read moreLeveraging Digital Transformation in a post-COVID Era: Panel Focuses on Africa’s Digital Opportunities and Obstacles, Striking an Optimistic Note
On Monday, 30 November, Portulans Institute, in partnership with the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), hosted a virtual panel […]
Read moreEuropean Commission Researcher Dr. Giacomo Damioli Talks About Building Togetherness for the Digital Future
This interview is part of the Dialogue on Digital Transformation series. Dr. Giacomo Damioli is an economist with a long […]
Read more2020 Affordability Report Launches, Underlying the Urgency of Addressing Digital Inequality Worldwide
Annually, the Alliance for Affordable Internet (A4AI) publishes a flagship Affordability Report that investigates the affordability of Internet access in […]
Read moreWhy Individuals, Firms and Governments Need Digital ‘Mindsets’, According to Simon Kemp
This interview is part of the Dialogue on Digital Transformation series. Simon Kemp is the Founder and CEO of Kepios, […]
Read moreMENA Panel Highlights Enabling Environments for Digital Transformation
On Wednesday, Portulans Institute, in cooperation with UNESCO, the School of Business at the American University in Cairo and the […]
Read moreBrazil Needs to Reinforce Its Bets on Scientific and Technological Development, Says Gianna Sagazio (Director, CNI)
This interview is part of the Dialogue on Digital Transformation series, a series of conversations with world-leading experts that address […]
Read moreDr Vera Songwe Tells Us About Digital Talent and Building Forward Better
This interview is part of the Dialogue on Digital Transformation series. Dr. Vera Songwe is Executive Secretary of the United […]
Read moreDr. Jacques Bughin Shares New Research Insights about the Success and Failure of Digital Transformation Worldwide
This summary is provided as part of our Dialogue on Digital Transformation series. In addition to acting as senior advisor […]
Read moreEurope Panel Highlights Regional Best-Practices and Emphasizes Strategic Digital Transformation
On Wednesday, Portulans Institute, in cooperation with UNESCO and ICANN, hosted a regional panel on Europe’s digital transformation, highlighting regional […]
Read moreLatin America Panel Reviews Regional Inclusion, Connectivity and COVID-19
This Tuesday, Portulans Institute, in cooperation with UNESCO and CETIC.Br|NIC.br, and with support from our 2020 Knowledge Partner, STL Group, […]
Read moreRegional Panel Turns the Spotlight on North America at a Digital Innovation Crossroads
While the United States and Canada are globally celebrated as innovation trailblazers, COVID-19 has undoubtedly impacted their competitiveness and revealed […]
Read moreElement AI CEO Jean François Gagné: The COVID-19 Crisis Was a Digitization “Cold Shower”
This is part of our Dialogue on Digital Transformation series, in advance of the upcoming 2020 Network Readiness Index. Learn […]
Read moreAsia Pacific Panel Highlights Digital Transformation Track Records and NRI Regional Data
Portulans Institute, in cooperation with UNESCO and with support from our 2020 Knowledge Partner, STL Group, hosted a regional panel […]
Read moreBuilding Forward Better: Global Panel Discusses Digital Transformation, Network Readiness and COVID-19
Portulans Institute, in cooperation with UNESCO and with support from our 2020 Knowledge Partner, STL Group, hosted a global panel […]
Read more2020 Edition of Network Readiness Index Report Reveals Most Future-Ready Societies
COVID is Accelerating Digital Transformation – Better Governance is Required to Avoid Global Disconnect Monday, 19th October 2020 Today, Portulans […]
Read moreLarry Irving Tells Us About the COVID-19 Digital Divide: and What We Need To Do To Close It
This is part of the Dialogue on Digital Transformation series, in advance of the 2020 Network Readiness Index. Larry Irving […]
Read moreA Conversation with Sonia Jorge about Meaningful Connectivity, Digital Transformation and COVID-19
This is part of our Dialogue on Digital Transformation series, in advance of the upcoming 2020 Network Readiness Index. Sonia […]
Read moreThe Power of People-First Innovation, According to Brazilian Digital Trailblazer Dr. Cristiano Ferri
This is part of our Dialogue on Digital Transformation series, in advance of the upcoming 2020 Network Readiness Index. Dr. […]
Read moreWITSA Secretary General Dr. Jim Poisant Explains Why Championing ICT Development Is So Important
This is part of our Dialogue on Digital Transformation series, in advance of the upcoming 2020 Network Readiness Index. Dr. […]
Read moreEmma Arakelyan’s Approach to People-First Digital Transformation
This is part of our Dialogue on Digital Transformation series, in advance of the upcoming 2020 Network Readiness Index. Emma […]
Read moreFrom Strategic Initiative to Strategic Imperative: Digital Transformation According to Karim Michel Sabbagh
This is part of our Dialogue on Digital Transformation series, in advance of the upcoming 2020 Network Readiness Index. Karim […]
Read moreMarie Lou Papazian’s Perspective on Digitally Transforming Education
This is part of our Dialogue on Digital Transformation series, in advance of the upcoming 2020 Network Readiness Index. Marie […]
Read moreHuawei Public Affairs Expert Dr Rene Arnold Shares Insights About Digital Tools
This post is part of our Dialogue on Digital Transformation series, in advance of the upcoming 2020 Network Readiness Index. […]
Read moreInternet Pioneers Talk About Digital Transformation in the Age of COVID-19
This is part of our Dialogue on Digital Transformation series, in advance of the upcoming 2020 Network Readiness Index. Our […]
Read moreHarvard Law School Library Director Jocelyn Kennedy Tells Us About Digital Transformation
This is part of our Dialogue on Digital Transformation series, in advance of the upcoming 2020 Network Readiness Index. Jocelyn […]
Read moreFrances West Tells Us About Authentic Inclusion, Women in Tech and Digital Transformation
This is part of our Dialogue on Digital Transformation series, in advance of the upcoming 2020 Network Readiness Index. Frances […]
Read moreHear Nnenna Nwakanma’s Thoughts on Digital Transformation and Meaningful Connectivity
This is part of our Dialogue on Digital Transformation series, in advance of the upcoming 2020 Network Readiness Index. Nnenna […]
Read morePreparing Our Workforce for the Tech of Tomorrow: A Conversation with Marco Stefanini
This is part of our Dialogue on Digital Transformation series, in advance of the upcoming 2020 Network Readiness Index. Marco […]
Read moreCOVID-19 as a Catalyst of “Necessary Change”: Olu Teniola’s Thoughts on Digital Transformation
This is part of our Dialogue on Digital Transformation series, in advance of the upcoming 2020 Network Readiness Index. Olu […]
Read moreIntroducing the Network Readiness Index 2020
We are thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of this year’s Network Readiness Index (NRI), focused on one of the […]
Read moreFrontiers of Health Data Privacy: A RightsCon Discussion
On July 27, 2020, during RightsCon Online 2020, I had the pleasure to have a conversation with Megan Doerr, Principal […]
Read moreNRI 2020 Digital Transformation Dialogues
Follow our running Dialogue on Digital Transformation. These conversations with world-leading experts address the year’s most critical questions on digital […]
Read moreWho Will Finance Innovation? Global Innovation Index 2020 Launches
Launched globally and virtually yesterday, the 2020 Global Innovation Index centers around one of this year’s most critical questions: who […]
Read moreBetter Governance for Disruptive Artificial Intelligence: A Conversation with Sir Julian King
This blog post is part of a series where Portulans staff review recent developments in tech policy. Check our Twitter […]
Read moreHow COVID-19 is Affecting Persons with Disabilities Worldwide: Finding Opportunity in Adversity
This blog post has been contributed by Portulans Senior Fellow Shane Kanady and Research Assistant Augusta Rentenbach, additionally co-authored by […]
Read morePandemic Preparedness and Network Readiness in Latin America
This blog post is part of a series where Portulans staff perform analysis of countries and regions covered by the […]
Read moreCommemorating the 30th Anniversary of the ADA
But a lot still needs to be done! Portulans Institute joins the world in commemorating the 30th anniversary of the […]
Read more“Where do we go from here?”
The IGF-USA took place online from 22-23 July. Portulans applauds the thought-provoking and timely conversations. This blog responds to the […]
Read moreHarnessing Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship: A Report on What We Can Learn from Black Youth’s Responses to COVID-19
Throughout the month of May 2020, Global Black Youth (GBY) partnered with the Portulans Institute and civil society organizations to […]
Read moreGood Digital IDs Kickstart Governments’ Digital Transformation. Here’s Why.
2020 is a landmark year for governmental digital transformation and the adoption of digital ID technologies. Now more than ever […]
Read moreThe high cost of exclusion and what we need to do about it
The global exclusion of persons with disabilities comes at significant economic, political, and societal costs. Decades’ worth of data substantiates […]
Read moreThe UNSG Roadmap for Digital Cooperation
On Thursday 13 June, the UN Secretary-General launched the Roadmap for Digital Cooperation. Following the work from the High-level Panel […]
Read moreEurope takes digital innovation seriously. Will the world follow?
27 May 2020 will be remembered as a milestone in European history. On that day, the President of the European […]
Read moreAfrica’s Digital Economy: Opportunities and Obstacles during COVID-19
This blog post is part of a series where Portulans staff perform a more in-depth analysis of countries and regions […]
Read moreBoard Member Insights: How COVID-19 is a turning point for digitization, and why digitization will help us endure
This blog post is a contribution of Portulans Institute Board Member, Jacques Bughin. It is a commentary on how COVID-19 […]
Read moreThe Dominance of Chinese Firms & the Impact of COVID-19 on China
Over the next year, the Portulans Institute plans to release a blog series analyzing some of the most thought-provoking books […]
Read moreReadiness is essential to address the impacts of the “Great Lockdown”
During the week of April 13th, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) hosted its 2020 Spring Meetings (Virtual). Released on that […]
Read moreCOVID-19 redefines Digital Transformation
In the years before COVID-19, the idea of digital transformation was a topic of worldwide discussion among leaders and CEOs […]
Read moreA New Digital Geography is Emerging
According to the 2019 NRI results, the three countries most likely to reap the rewards of the digital future are […]
Read moreThe Value and Uses of the Network Readiness Index
This post kicks off a special series on the value and uses of the NRI and will include regional highlights. […]
Read moreAnnouncing Portulans’ 2020 fellows!
Today, we’re excited to announce the complete 2020 cohort of Fellows, who begin March 2020. With origins spanning over seven […]
Read moreThe importance of data-based research for policymaking
On Friday, February 14th, the founders of the Portulans Institute joined the Global Business School Network for an edition of […]
Read morePresenting the NRI and the case of India.
Since the launch of the 2019 edition of the Network Readiness Index in Geneva on 18th December 2019, Portulans Institute […]
Read moreThe application for our 2020 Fellowship Program is now open!
Application deadline: February 7th, 2020. Fellowship period: from March 2020 to August 2020. Please, fill out the application form available […]
Read moreGlobal Launch of the 2019 Network Readiness Index
The Global Governance Center of the Graduate Institute of International Studies, the Portulans Institute, and the World Information Technology and Services Alliance are pleased to invite you to attend the Global Launch of the 2019 Network Readiness Index and Report
Read moreLaunching Portulans!
Washington DC. December 11, 2019. – For the past few months, a small but energized team has been tirelessly working […]
Read moreOur Newsletter
The Portulans Institute Newsletter aims to provide our audience with up-to-date news about our upcoming launches, events and projects. The Newsletter also includes important developments in the world of Innovation, Technology, and Global Talent.
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ABOUT US
Our Mission
Founded in 2019, the Portulans Institute (PI) is an independent nonprofit, nonpartisan research and educational institute based in Washington DC.
- To develop cross-community knowledge and dialogue on how people, technology and innovation contribute to sustainable and inclusive growth.
- To inform policy-makers, by producing independent, rigorous metrics and data-based research.
- To collaborate with private sector leaders in driving a business agenda that invests in people, technology, and innovation for a prosperous common future.
- To host and co-organize events and conferences on the above issues affecting human-centric sustainable economic prosperity.
Where Our Name and Logo Come From
Portulans (or portolans) are ancient nautical maps, first made in the 13th century in the Mediterranean basin and later expanded to include other regions. The word portolan comes from the Italian portulano, meaning “related to ports or harbors”, and which since at least the 17th century designates “a collection of sailing directions”. In these maps, only a few harbors were visible, and much of the coastlines were hypothetical.
This is how we see our mission: in an uncertain world, much is yet to be explored, and many opportunities have yet to be identified. Like the navigators of the 16th century, modern leaders have to make decisions on the basis of imperfect information and incomplete maps.
The Portulans Institute aims at providing them with the best available data and analyses, and the directions that they need. This is why our logo combines a compass, and pi, which is not only a powerful number found in geometry, algebra, physics and arts, but also an infinite series of digits, with no pre-written rule telling us what the next one might be.
PORTULANS
Our Core Values
Thought leadership through our ideas
Innovation and excellence in our activities
Integrity, trust, and diversity in engagement with partners
CONTACT
Get in Touch
Email: info@portulansinstitute.org
Address: 1010 Vermont Ave Ste. 201
NW, Washington, DC 20005
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