In a moment marked by rising illiberalism and the declining trust in institutions, there is a growing opportunity to explore the ways that technologies of freedom like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and encryption can be deployed to reduce fiscal waste, build governance capacity, and encourage democratic accountability. Additionally, scholars focused on American institutional reform can learn from digital governance experimentation in countries like Estonia, which has built a high-trust, liberal, civic society despite living in the shadow of authoritarian threat.

IHS invites applications from academic scholars whose research pertains to digital governance methods and technologies. We are especially interested in proposals that bridge disciplines. Comparative research threads to Estonia or other countries are welcomed but not necessary. Research deliverables can include peer-reviewed publications, policy white papers, or shareable research databases.

Most accepted projects will not exceed $5,000, though larger grants may be considered for exceptional projects.

Please Note: IHS grants cannot support institutional overhead or indirect costs