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Research-Based Solutions and Academic Freedom Strengthen Democracy in Technological Disruption
Åbo Akademi University, the University of Turku, and the University of Helsinki brought together policymakers, researchers, and EU-officials at the European Parliament on 15 October to discuss how Europe can bolster the resilience of democracy in technological disruption.
The event was co-hosted by Members of the European Parliament Ville Niinistö (Greens/EFA) and Lina Gálvez (S&D), Vice-Chair of the European Parliament’s Panel for the Future of Science and Technology (STOA).
Opening remarks underlined universities role in safeguarding critical thinking and evidence informed decision making. Anne Portaankorva, Vice-Rector for Research at the University of Helsinki, noted that democratic freedoms and academic freedom go hand in hand and Europe must remain a safe home for critical thinking. Marko Joas, Deputy Rector of Åbo Akademi University, stressed that technology alone does not strengthen democracy. Impact comes from good design, clear standards, and real accountability.
Research based innovations boost participation and trust
The first panel looked at how democratic innovations, such as citizens’ assemblies, deliberation, transparency enhancing digital tools, algorithmic risk checks, and shared metrics, can raise participation and improve decision making processes.
From the European Commission’s AI Office, Malgorzata Nikowska stressed compliance by design. Public-sector AI should include risk assessment into the design phase, be transparent, and build skills. Åbo Akademi University professor Kimmo Grönlund proposed using citizens assemblies systematically at all levels of decision-making and emphasized engaging with different political views, especially in a more polarized world. University of Turku professor Maija Setälä called for combining digital tools with deliberation in ways that protect participants autonomy and ensure AI transparency. University of Helsinki professor Mikko Rask proposed a Democracy Readiness Level to measure how prepared organizations are to use democracy-enhancing solutions, with strong performance rewarded, for example, through continued funding.
Academic Freedom as a Pillar of the Rule of Law
The second discussion focused on academic freedom as part of the rule of law. University of Helsinki professor Kimmo Nuotio argued that it should be embedded in EU rules and funding conditions.
From European Commission DG Research and Innovation, Slaven Misljencevic called the need to reverse the erosion trend of academic freedom and noted the ongoing public consultation on the European Research Area Act (deadline 15 January 2026), which will provide evidence on academic freedom to support decision-making. Lina Gálvez stressed that academic freedom is also an economic, competitiveness, and security issue.
The event was linked to EU policy framework, including political advertising transparency, the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the AI Act, as well as the European Democracy Shield expected in November. The package aims to strengthen election integrity, improve Member States ability to detect and counter disinformation, and promote media literacy, fact-checking, civic participation, and critical thinking. A high-level overview of these initiatives was provided in the closing remarks by Henna Virkkunen, European Commission Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy.
