Researchers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Germany's University of Tübingen have released a comprehensive framework for democratic AI governance, emphasizing continued transatlantic cooperation despite recent political challenges.
The statement, developed during a March 2025 conference in Chapel Hill, outlines key principles and research priorities for ensuring AI development serves democratic values. The framework bridges U.S. innovation strengths with EU human rights protections, offering a unified approach to pressing challenges in AI oversight.
Key components include:
- Shared democratic principles for AI governance
- Commitment to human rights and social justice
- Framework for balancing innovation with protective oversight
- Environmental and workforce considerations
- Proposed research goals across five critical areas
The scholars emphasize that effective AI governance must extend beyond technical specifications to address fundamental questions of power, justice, and human dignity. Their work comes at a crucial moment as technology companies advance competing visions of AI development that may conflict with democratic values.
This initiative demonstrates ongoing academic cooperation between U.S. and European institutions, even as formal governmental dialogues have faced recent setbacks. The framework provides a roadmap for future transatlantic collaboration on AI governance and regulation.
