Experimental Governance Lab
The Experimental Governance Lab explores new approaches to data regulation, policy experimentation, and AI governance
At a glance
- Focus: Regulation, compliance, and governance of AI and data
- Function: Policy experimentation, compliance testing, and interdisciplinary research
- Collaboration: Companies, policymakers, regulators, academia, and civil society
- Structure: Three complementary units — RegLab, Sandbox, and Knowledge Hub
Details
It provides a research and testing environment where policymakers, institutions, and experts can evaluate regulatory frameworks and develop evidence-based solutions for emerging technologies.
The Experimental Governance Lab is a pioneering interdisciplinary initiative that redefines how companies, researchers, and regulators navigate the fast-evolving landscape of AI and data governance.
It provides an environment where innovation meets regulation — offering research-driven compliance solutions, testing facilities, and educational programmes that make responsible technology adoption practical, achievable, and innovation-friendly
Applications and Services
The lab supports joint projects with government and industry for testing regulatory frameworks, assessing policy impact, and developing responsible innovation models
Academic courses and training workshops
Evidence-based learning to strengthen AI oversight
Practical solutions combining technology and compliance
Safe testing environments for innovation and regulation
Contributing to international best practices in AI & data policy
Key Infrastructure
Operates as a simulation and data analysis environment integrating policy-testing tools and stakeholder collaboration platforms
RegLab
Research-driven compliance solutions RegLab provides interdisciplinary expertise at the intersection of law, ethics, and technology to support AI and data compliance. The lab offers research-based guidance, compliance benchmarking, and policy prototyping for organisations developing and deploying AI systems.
Sandbox
Safe testing for cutting-edge innovation The Sandbox provides a controlled environment where organisations can test AI and big data solutions against regulatory and technical requirements. It supports experimentation through simulations, structured testing methods, and access to compliant datasets and testing infrastructure.
Knowledge Hub
Upskilling for the AI era The Knowledge Hub supports organisations in building AI literacy and compliance capacity through training, policy advice, and public outreach. It delivers targeted programmes on AI regulation, data protection, and responsible AI practices for technical, legal, and managerial teams.
Policy Sandbox
Controlled environment for testing AI and data systems against current and upcoming regulations (AI Act, GDPR, Data Act).
Simulation & Assessment Tools
Software for policy modelling, regulatory impact analysis, and compliance automation.
Governance Data Repository
Curated datasets for testing, auditing, and bias assessment under real conditions.
Knowledge Management Platform
Digital workspace for sharing best practices, case studies, and policy prototypes.
Computing Infrastructure & TEF Access
High-performance computing and partnerships with Testing & Experimentation Facilities across the EU (e.g. TEF Health, AI Matters).
Who can use the lab
- Public institutions
- Regulators
- Researchers
- Private organizations engaged in digital policy development.
Partnership Opportunities
The Experimental Governance Lab operates as a collaborative ecosystem that connects industry, academia, and regulators to advance responsible innovation and evidence-based policymaking. Its partnership model is built on co-development — bringing together organizations that design, deploy, and supervise AI and data systems to ensure that innovation and regulation evolve in sync.
Through its interdisciplinary capacity, the Lab supports multiple forms of collaboration:
Municipalities & public agencies
To co-develop policy and test new services
Industry partners
To pilot smart city technologies
Researchers & startups
To validate prototypes in real conditions
Citizens & communities
To engage in participatory urban design
Team & Collaborators
Our interdisciplinary team includes AI researchers, data scientists, health technology experts, and ethicists.
Let’s collaborate
Whether you’re from academia, industry, or public sector, GATE offers unique partnership opportunities in research, infrastructure, and innovation