About
The Technology & Democracy Project provides expert analysis and commentary on technology and public policy issues, and seeks to influence decision-makers and opinion leaders by generating public support for our ideas and by serving as a resource for media and legislators at the local, state and national levels.
The work of the Technology & Democracy Project complements the overall mission of Discovery Institute. Our efforts to “advance a culture of purpose, creativity and innovation” are greatly enhanced by our work related to the technology sector, which has led (and continues to lead) much of the creativity and innovation witnessed throughout the economy over the past two decades. Promoting sensible policies that encourage economic growth and innovation is crucial to the long term health of the United States.
Our Mission
The mission of Discovery Institute’s Technology & Democracy Project is to advocate free market-oriented public policies for promoting investment and innovation in the information economy.
What We Do
Our research and advocacy — including written reports, newspaper articles, radio and television interviews and op-eds, combined with speeches, conferences, lectures and public testimony — help promote governmental attitudes that are pro-technology and pro-free enterprise.
We have been a leader in advocating against “network neutrality” regulation for many years. This issue is currently before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, which is considering whether, in an age of media abundance, the First Amendment protects broadband service providers, and whether net neutrality amounts to a taking without just compensation according to the Fifth Amendment.
We have also been a leader in charting a course for regulatory reform as single-purpose communications networks become multiple purpose broadband platforms capable of delivering voice, video and data services.
Our Team
George Gilder
Senior Fellow and Co-Founder of Discovery InstituteJohn Wohlstetter
Senior Fellow, Discovery InstituteErik J. Larson
Fellow, Technology and Democracy ProjectAbout Us
The Project is a program of Discovery Institute, a 501(c)(3) non-profit and non-partisan educational and research organization based in Seattle, and with a presence in Washington, D.C. We are supported entirely by the generosity of private foundations as well as individual and corporate donors committed to technological innovation and economic growth.