Projects and Case Studies

The Portulans Institute is pleased to announce the Portulans Democracy Project (PDP), a new research initiative supported by the Reynolds Foundation. The PDP aims to spotlight innovative information and communication initiatives that strengthen democratic institutions, processes, and practices. The project will identify, analyze, and showcase transformative democratic innovations from around the world. Through rigorous case studies, AI-powered analysis, and global dialogue, the PDP aims to contribute to the global enhancement of democratic institutions, processes, and practices worldwide

The Ukraine Case Studies are led by an international team of researchers, including doctoral students and faculty from the University of Oxford and the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. The project examines how information and communication operations have influenced the conflict since the Russian invasion in February 2022, offering insights with implications for both the current war and long-term global policy and cybersecurity practices. Initial support for the project comes from the Portulans Institute, in collaboration with the Global Cyber Security Capacity Centre (GCSCC), the Oxford Internet Institute (OII), and the Saïd Business School.

The Immersive Explorers Podcast, hosted by Portulans Institute Fellow Ioanna Georgia Eskiadi, discusses global perspectives on immersive media, covering topics of trust, ethics, and societal impact. Each episode features an expert in the field of technology and innovation.

A new regional policy brief explores the enablers of Africa’s emerging startup ecosystem, with in-depth analysis of key innovation hubs—Cape Town, Nairobi, Lagos, and Cairo. Benchmarking these cities against leading global tech ecosystems, the paper identifies strategic gaps and opportunities to inform targeted policy recommendations. Authored by Portulans Institute Fellow Raymond Onuoha, the brief offers a roadmap for accelerating and sustaining startup growth across the continent.

In this multi-part interview series, Portulans Institute Fellow Gabriel Souto engages with experts across industry, academia, law, government, and civil society to explore the critical role of research and development in advancing technology and its accessibility to the people of Brazil.