Strategic Plan 2026–2030
Building Evidence-Based AI Governance for Bangladesh and the Global South
A comprehensive five-year roadmap to advance responsible, inclusive, and sovereign artificial intelligence policy, research, and institutional capacity.
Executive Summary
Artificial intelligence is transforming global economies and public institutions at an unprecedented pace. While advanced economies have rapidly developed national AI strategies, many countries across the Global South face critical gaps in institutional capacity, policy infrastructure, and technical expertise required for responsible AI governance.
Established in 2024, the Atlas AI Institute addresses this challenge through independent research, policy innovation, and open-access knowledge. This Strategic Plan (2026–2030) outlines our institutional priorities, research agenda, and long-term vision to support governments, civil society, and development partners in building trustworthy AI ecosystems.
Our Vision
To become a globally recognized independent research institute advancing responsible, inclusive, and evidence-based artificial intelligence governance for Bangladesh and the broader Global South.
Our Mission
To produce independent research, policy analysis, and governance frameworks that strengthen institutional capacity for responsible AI adoption, promoting innovation while protecting public interests and human rights.
Institutional Values
Our research and policy work are strictly guided by a commitment to ethical standards and the public interest:
Strategic Goals (2026–2030)
Our five-year roadmap is built upon five core pillars designed to maximize our impact on AI governance and policy development.
1 Research Excellence
Produce internationally credible research on AI governance, regulation, and digital public policy.
- Publish high-quality, peer-reviewed research reports.
- Develop comprehensive comparative country studies.
- Expand AI governance research coverage across the Global South.
- Ensure publication quality through structured editorial review.
2 Policy Innovation
Develop practical governance resources that assist policymakers and public institutions.
- Publish adaptable national AI policy frameworks.
- Produce actionable implementation roadmaps.
- Develop specialized AI governance toolkits.
- Release policy briefs addressing emerging AI challenges.
3 Open Knowledge
Increase public access to trustworthy, open-access AI governance resources.
- Expand the online open-access knowledge hub.
- Release all core publications under open-access licenses.
- Build searchable, comprehensive policy databases.
- Publish educational materials for diverse stakeholders.
4 Institutional Growth
Strengthen Atlas AI Institute as a leading, independent research organization.
- Expand the global research and advisory network.
- Recruit top-tier research fellows and volunteers.
- Improve internal institutional governance structures.
- Develop rigorous internal research standards and editorial policies.
5 Capacity Development
Support AI governance capacity through education, training, and knowledge sharing.
- Organize high-level policy dialogues and roundtables.
- Launch targeted research fellowship initiatives.
- Develop specialized training materials and curricula.
- Publish practical implementation guides for governments.
Priority Research Areas
Our interdisciplinary research spans the critical intersections of technology, law, ethics, and public policy:
Our Theory of Change
A logical framework connecting our foundational inputs to long-term global impact in AI governance.
The Challenge
Emerging economies face rapid AI adoption while lacking sufficient governance capacity, localized policy guidance, and institutional readiness.
Inputs
- Research Expertise
- Policy Datasets
- Technology & Tools
- Open Knowledge Resources
Activities
- Policy Research & Analysis
- Framework Development
- Knowledge Publication
- Policy Dialogue & Training
Outputs
- Research Reports & Briefs
- National Policy Frameworks
- Governance Toolkits
- Open Datasets
Outcomes
- Improved Policy Capacity
- Evidence-Informed Decision Making
- Greater Institutional Readiness
- Stronger AI Governance
Long-Term Impact
- Responsible AI Adoption
- Inclusive Digital Transformation
- Improved Public Policy
- Sustainable Innovation Ecosystems
Key Performance Indicators (2026–2030)
Research Methodology & Quality Assurance
Atlas AI Institute follows a rigorous, structured methodology emphasizing comparative policy analysis, international benchmarking, evidence synthesis, and regulatory analysis. All research undergoes strict citation verification and editorial review.
AI Usage & Research Integrity
While artificial intelligence tools may assist with information organization, language refinement, and data processing, all research findings, interpretations, analytical judgments, and policy recommendations remain strictly subject to human review and editorial oversight to ensure absolute academic integrity.
Annual Priorities (2026)
Research Publications
- Bangladesh AI Index
- AI Readiness Report
- AI Governance Review
- AI Budget Analysis
- Responsible AI Guidelines
Institutional Initiatives
- Launch AI Policy Lab
- Research Fellowship Programme
- Student Research Internship Programme
- Quarterly Policy Dialogues
- Public Webinar Series
Strategic Enablers
Monitoring & Evaluation
Progress is tracked through annual planning, publication tracking, stakeholder feedback, and institutional performance reviews to ensure continuous organizational learning.
Risk Management
We mitigate risks related to rapid technological change, funding uncertainty, and policy volatility through adaptive planning, diversified funding, and strong research governance.
Collaboration Strategy
We actively partner with universities, governments, civil society, and international development partners for knowledge exchange and capacity building, while maintaining strict independence.
Sustainability Strategy
Long-term sustainability is ensured through competitive research grants, philanthropic funding, and knowledge products. Funding sources never influence research findings or editorial decisions.
"Artificial intelligence presents one of the most significant governance challenges of our generation. Countries across the Global South require policy approaches that reflect their own realities, priorities, and institutional capacities rather than relying solely on imported models. Atlas AI Institute was established with the belief that independent research, open knowledge, and practical policy innovation can help governments and societies navigate this transition responsibly. This Strategic Plan represents our commitment to building a trusted research institution that contributes to evidence-based policymaking and inclusive digital transformation."
Looking Ahead to 2030
By 2030, Atlas AI Institute aims to be globally recognized as a trusted source of independent AI governance research, supporting evidence-informed policymaking and strengthening institutional capacity across Bangladesh and the Global South through open, transparent, and practical research.
Nafiul Ahmad Rafi
Researching artificial intelligence governance infrastructure, regulatory capacity, and policy implementation in developing and emerging economies.
My research examines the governance infrastructure and regulatory capacity required for responsible artificial intelligence adoption in developing economies, with emphasis on institutional readiness and equitable participation in international AI governance processes.
Through Atlas AI Institute, I conduct comparative policy analysis, contribute to frameworks for regulatory implementation, and advance Global South perspectives in multilateral governance forums.
Professional Affiliations
- Founding Director Atlas AI Institute
- Research Affiliate AI Policy Lab, Umeå University
- Policy Network Member Global AI Policy Initiatives
Funding & Transparency
Upholding the highest standards of research integrity, accountability, and public trust.
Our Commitment
Atlas AI Institute is committed to conducting independent, evidence-based, and public-interest research. As an emerging research institute, we are building our operations on the principles of transparency, accountability, and research integrity.
At present, Atlas AI Institute has not received institutional grants or external funding. Current research and publications are independently developed unless otherwise stated. As the Institute grows, information regarding funding sources, grants, sponsorships, and financial reports will be published on this page.
Research Support
Atlas AI Institute welcomes support from:
- Research grants
- Philanthropic foundations
- Academic collaborations
- Institutional sponsorships
- Corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs
- Individual donations (where appropriate)
Note: Support does not influence research findings, recommendations, or publication decisions.
Editorial Independence & Integrity
Research conclusions are developed independently by researchers. Funders, sponsors, or partners do not control research outcomes, policy recommendations, or publication decisions.
Funding Disclosure Policy
For every funded project, the Institute intends to publicly disclose:
- Funding organization
- Project title & Funding period
- Nature of support
- Disclosure of any potential conflicts of interest
Ethics, Data & Financial Transparency
Conflict of Interest
Researchers and contributors are expected to disclose any financial, professional, or personal interests that could influence research outcomes. Where applicable, conflict-of-interest disclosures will accompany publications.
Ethics Policy
The Institute follows principles of academic integrity, responsible AI, human rights, fairness, transparency, accountability, and privacy/data protection.
Data Policy
Unless otherwise restricted, original research data will be shared whenever possible. Public datasets will be properly attributed, and sensitive or confidential information will not be published.
Financial Transparency
As Atlas AI Institute develops, annual financial summaries, institutional funding information, and major grants will be published here.
Partner With Us
Atlas AI Institute welcomes collaboration with governments, universities, international organizations, foundations, NGOs, think tanks, and industry partners committed to advancing responsible AI.
Contact for Discussions