What We Do

Open Technology Research operates at the intersection of research, community, and policy. We create space for rigorous inquiry while ensuring diverse voices shape both research questions and the process of finding and delivering answers that drive impact. We seek to drive impact through four key areas: identifying critical research gaps, mobilising research capacity, connecting communities, and convening for impact.

Identifying Critical Research Gaps

We work transparently to identify where evidence is needed most through structured consultation with researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and community members. Our research agenda will address interconnected domains and will be co-created and maintained with our community.

Mobilising Research Capacity

Strong research requires sustainable support. We will work with researchers to navigate the funding landscape and develop compelling proposals, connecting researchers to one another and linking them with opportunities and funders.

Connecting Communities

Open technology research crosses traditional boundaries. We will create spaces for meaningful exchange between researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and community members, as well as online fora for them to share and connect with one another.

Convening for Impact

We will bring people together to accelerate learning and amplify policy impact through an annual Open Technology Research Symposium, creating space for deep engagement between researchers and policymakers, as well as specialised workshops, convenings, and presentations.

Join Us

Open Technology Research is at an early stage of development, and we welcome your participation in shaping what it becomes. Here’s how you can engage:

• Share your perspective: Tell us about research gaps you’ve identified, questions you’re working on, or challenges you’ve faced in the open technology space. Your input directly shapes our agenda.
• Connect with the network: Join our mailing list to stay informed about opportunities, events, and developments. Participate in upcoming working groups or consultation processes on topics that matter to you.
• Highlight existing work: Point us to relevant research, datasets, or initiatives we should know about. Help us build a comprehensive picture of the field.
• Collaborate with us: Whether you’re proposing research, organising an event, or developing a resource, we’re interested in partnerships that advance our shared goals. It’s not that hard: just write to us and get in touch.
• Support the network: We will rely on diverse funding sources to maintain independence and sustainability. If your organisation shares our mission, let’s talk about how you can support this work.

Open technologies have transformed how we collaborate, innovate, and govern. Open Technology Research exists to ensure that transformation is grounded in evidence, guided by diverse perspectives, and accountable to the communities it serves. We invite you to be part of building that future.