Exploring the Future of Digital Innovation

Welcome to the International Digital Futures Network

Join us at the forefront of digital transformation, where interdisciplinary collaboration meets groundbreaking innovation.

About the International Digital Futures Network

The International Digital Futures Network (IDFN) is a network of leading institutes around the world working on designing, developing and interrogating digital futures through academic research, policy work, sociotechnical approach to technology co-creation and co-design, and development of new methodologies and facilities.

With Bristol Digital Futures Institute (BDFI) at the hub of IDFN, ours is a vibrant, interdisciplinary network of academics, researchers and universities, working at the intersection of engineering, technology, science, arts and social sciences.

Our vision is to be a global force for good, by drawing on a diverse spectrum of people across sectors and disciplines, to co-create new opportunities and initiatives that will meet the world’s needs.

We hold regular meetings and events throughout the year and are in the process of creating visiting fellowship opportunities.

We welcome new members and are looking forward to growing the IDFN community.

Our Mission

Driving Innovation and Expanding Research

The International Digital Futures Network connects new global interdisciplinary institutes to expand and foster research capacity across institutions, sectors and geographical borders. Our collaborative approach responds to pressing issues by generating and advancing new understandings and providing thought leadership to drive innovation and create inclusive and sustainable digital futures. 

Upcoming IDFN Events

How Revolutionary is AI?

The IDFN will be holding its next annual event at Edinburgh Futures Institute (11th and 12th June 2025). The theme of this year’s event is: How Revolutionary is AI?

June 11th and 12th, 2025

FREE

News from our network

AI Governance and Regulation workshop explores risks and opportunities

26 February 2025

Policy makers and academics gathered at BDFI recently to take part in an interactive workshop, looking at the critical challenges and opportunities posed by artificial intelligence.

BDFI welcomes two new engineering academics

5 February 2025

We’re pleased to announce a new academic co-director has joined BDFI this month, alongside a new engineering professor.

Kate Devlin, You Autocomplete Me: Our Intimate and Emotional Encounters with Technology

06 June 2025 18:00 to 20:00

Please join us for this Inaugural Lecture as we celebrate Professor Kate Devlin’s appointment as Professor of Artificial Intelligence & Society.

The IDFN members

Featured projects

We are leaders in

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Innovative Methodologies

Global Partnerships

Sociotechnical Approaches

Policy Development

Digital Co-Creation

Sustainability Focus

Technological Advancements

Academic Excellence

Community Engagement

Knowledge Sharing

Inclusive Research

Cutting-Edge Facilities

Future-Oriented Solutions

Thought Leadership

Join the Movement for a better Digital Futures