Georgia Tech is exploring the development of a new Institute for Technology and Civic Leadership. This proposal is part of a larger institutional effort to provide new opportunities for civil discourse education that will prepare students to lead in the face of complex technological and societal challenges. 

Aaron Levine, associate dean for research and outreach in the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts and professor in the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School of Public Policy at Georgia Tech, has been named interim executive director for a six-month appointment to lead the exploration. In this role, Levine will engage stakeholders across Georgia Tech and the University System of Georgia to assess how the new Institute could best serve students and the state of Georgia. 

The proposed Institute reflects Georgia Tech’s commitment to educating leaders who create new possibilities at the intersection of technology and human flourishing. It will draw on rigorous research to develop and support civic-minded, technological leaders and policy-aware innovators, equipping them to lead in a pluralistic democracy and an interconnected, innovation-driven world. 

The new Institute will give students the chance to explore a broad range of ideas about how innovation shapes communities, the economy, and public life. It aims to be a place where people can exchange ideas freely, learn from one another and find common ground — all anchored in open debate, scientific inquiry and evidence-based problem-solving. 

It will also serve as a hub for bringing together leaders from government, industry, academia and other sectors to tackle pressing challenges and pursue science- and data-driven solutions.

“This is an opportunity for Georgia Tech to further its mission of developing leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition,” said Raheem Beyah, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. “The new Institute will prepare students to lead in an increasingly complex and pluralistic democracy, and guide society through the implications of transformative technologies.” 

The State of Georgia has granted initial seed funding to Georgia Tech to support this exploration. The funding will help assess the potential Institute’s role in developing students and fostering critical, wide-ranging discussions about the impact of technology on individuals and society. 

“We’re excited to work alongside faculty from across Georgia Tech as we shape this new Institute,” said Amanda Murdie, dean of Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts. “Our College is proud to play a leading role in an effort that will draw on contributions from every part of campus. Together, our collective expertise will strengthen students’ ability to engage with multifaceted societal questions.” 

Georgia Tech will host a symposium in April 2026 to bring together campus and community leaders to further explore the Institute's development. The symposium will focus on opportunities for the new Institute and explore how to best prepare current and future leaders to engage with the most pressing issues shaping society today and in the future. 

The development of this center will also rely on input from the Georgia Tech community. If you are interested in advising on this effort, please email Interim Executive Director Aaron Levine at aaron.levine@pubpolicy.gatech.edu.