How Sanford Is Shaping the Future of Technology Policy Through Philanthropy, Partnership, and Purpose

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From the rapid rise of artificial intelligence to the challenges of cybersecurity, data privacy, and online trust, the questions at the heart of technology policy have never been more urgent. Around the world, policymakers, technologists, and civil society are grappling with how innovation can advance society without undermining democracy, safety, or equity.  

At Duke University — and particularly within the Sanford School of Public Policy — this intersection of technology and the public good has become a defining strength. Our faculty conduct research on platform accountability, privacy, AI ethics, cybersecurity, and data governance, while preparing students to lead responsibly in an increasingly digital world. 

What has propelled this momentum is a combination of strategic philanthropy and cross-campus collaboration that builds Sanford’s strong foundation to accelerate Duke’s leadership in the field. Over many years, Sanford faculty members like Ken Rogerson and Phil Napoli helped define technology policy at Sanford through teaching, scholarship, and public engagement; their work anchored our curriculum and created a community of students and alumni doing tech policy in the world.  

Strategic philanthropy and cross-campus collaboration have accelerated this effort. A pivotal moment in our growth in Tech Policy came at the close of the Duke Forward campaign with the establishment of the Steed Family Professorship, which enabled the recruitment of David Hoffman in 2019. His arrival helped accelerate and unify existing efforts; since then, he has launched the Cyber Policy Initiative, developed the Cybersecurity Leadership Executive Education Program with Pratt Engineering, and advanced research to inform policymakers and industry. 

Further support from the Steed Family and Paladin Capital has deepened this foundation — launching Duke’s first Cybersecurity Pitch Competition, expanding executive education, and building bridges between policy, business, and technology sectors. 

As Duke entered its current campaign, “Made For This”, philanthropy continued to play a transformative role. The creation of the Rothermere/Harmsworth Duke Professorship made it possible to recruit Anne Washington, a leading expert on data and technology governance, as the inaugural chair holder. She joins a growing bench of faculty including Robyn Caplan, whose work on platform governance and information ecosystems informs national debates on misinformation and online harm. 

Sanford’s work is amplified through Deep Tech at Duke, a university-wide initiative focused on the societal implications of emerging technologies. Deep Tech, also co-led by David Hoffman, connects Sanford with Duke’s strengths in computer science, engineering, law, and ethics — and includes a landmark partnership with OpenAI to explore how AI can best be integrated into research for the public good. Duke is one of just fifteen universities worldwide participating in OpenAI’s NextGenAI consortium, a collaboration that underscores the university’s role as a bridge between innovation and governance. 

Sanford is also expanding the educational pipeline that fuels this work. Students can now engage with technology policy at every stage of their Duke experience — ranging from undergraduate courses and Bass Connections projects, to the Technology Policy concentration in Sanford’s MPP and MPA programs, to executive education opportunities for senior professionals. The upcoming launch of a Tech Policy minor for undergraduates will provide an even broader foundation, giving Duke students across disciplines the tools to understand and influence how technology shapes society. 

These initiatives place Duke and Sanford squarely in the national conversation on issues shaping our collective future: how to govern AI responsibly, protect democratic processes online, secure digital infrastructure, and ensure technology advances equity and inclusion.   

Throughout the month of November, we are highlighting Sanford’s tech policy teaching, research, and engagement on our social media channels and on our website.  From executive education and applied research to interdisciplinary partnerships and new academic programs, Sanford’s technology policy enterprise illustrates how philanthropy unlocks potential, leadership channels it, and partnerships sustain it. Thanks to the dedication of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni, supported by the vision and generosity of our donors, Sanford is not only responding to the challenges of the digital age — it’s helping define the rules, ethics, and opportunities that will guide it.  

Best wishes,

Manoj Mohanan, Interim Dean