Who We Are
A Brussels-based, independent think-and-do tank at the intersection of technology and environmental sustainability.
SDSN is a Brussels-based, independent think-and-do tank operating across the European Union. We produce evidence-based research in the fields of development and capacity building, and we put that research into practice on the ground.
What sets us apart is that we close the gap between ideas and implementation. We do not just write reports. We carry knowledge into the everyday decisions of public institutions, civil society and the private sector through EU programmes, training and advisory work.
Governing digital transformation fairly and in the public interest.
Ensuring the green transition leaves no one behind.
Making development sustainable and inclusive across Europe.
The principles that guide everything we do
Our findings follow the data. We pursue what the evidence shows, not the agenda of any funder or interest group.
We are open about our methods, our sources of funding and our use of technology.
We design our research and programmes to include the voices of those most affected by the issues we study.
We measure success not by the number of publications, but by what we actually change in the field.
We use all tools, including artificial intelligence, in an ethical, accountable and human-supervised manner.
Our work follows a three-stage cycle: Research, Policy, Capacity.
We first understand a problem through evidence, then translate it into actionable policy options, and finally build the capacity of the institutions and people who will put those options into practice.
We combine quantitative and qualitative data and keep our sources and assumptions explicit throughout the research process.
We bring technology, environmental and social-policy perspectives together within a single analysis. These challenges cannot be solved in silos.
We co-design policies and projects with the relevant stakeholders from the outset, not as an afterthought.
We use AI agents to process large volumes of data and literature quickly. Every output is subject to the critical review of human researchers.
Wherever possible, we share our methods, data and tools so that our findings can be tested and built upon independently.
Our People
Sets the organisation's strategic direction and research agenda. He leads the design of research and implementation programmes at the EU level, with extensive experience at the intersection of technology and sustainability policy.
Technology and Digital Transformation. Works on digital public policy, AI governance and data stewardship. He develops policy options for the fair, public-interest use of technology.
Environmental Sustainability and Climate. Conducts research on climate policy, green-transition finance and the circular economy, with a focus on socially just transitions.
Development and Social Cohesion. Works on inclusive development, digital and green skills gaps, and capacity building. She leads research design and impact measurement of field projects.
Scans large datasets, synthesises academic and policy literature, and prepares preliminary analysis and visualisation drafts. Every output passes through human researcher review and approval before use.
Continuously monitors policy and regulatory developments at the EU level. Summarises new regulations, prepares briefing drafts and flags relevant developments to the team. Final assessment always rests with human researchers.
Governance and Transparency
SDSN is overseen by a Board of Directors and an independent Advisory Board. Day-to-day operations are run by a management team led by the Executive Director. The research agenda is editorially independent from operations and funding.
Our resources come primarily from EU programmes (Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, Interreg Europe), project-based grants and advisory income. No funding source may determine the content of our research. We publish funding breakdowns annually.
The views and findings in our publications belong to SDSN's researchers. They are not subject to the approval of sponsors or partners under any circumstances.
We clearly state the contribution of AI and the human-review process in all our publications. Interpretation, judgement and ultimate accountability always lie with human researchers. We comply fully with GDPR in all data processing.
Our Partners
Work where research meets the real world
You will work at the intersection of technology, the environment and social policy, contributing to projects that create impact across Europe within a research culture that combines human expertise with artificial intelligence.
