Federico Plantera is a Researcher in the Global Governance, Regulation, Innovation, Digital Economy (GRID) unit at CEPS, focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) and tech policy.
His work explores the societal impact of emerging technologies, and how digital systems can be designed and governed to align with public interest, while fostering economic resilience and institutional innovation.
Before joining CEPS, he worked with e-Governance Academy in Estonia contributing to projects on digital public infrastructure and governance across Europe, Eastern Partnership countries, and the Global South. With this policy-first lens, Federico has authored case studies and briefings for both public and private sector organisations – on topics ranging from developing digital public services in Ukraine, to implementing solutions for interoperability across the globe. He also moderates high-level expert dialogues and hosts the Digital Government Podcast – since 2020, an ongoing inquiry into digital governance and public innovation through interviews with leading voices in the field.
Federico holds a double MSc in Sociology and Demography (Pompeu Fabra University and Tilburg University) and an MA in Geopolitics and International Relations (University of Salento), with research experience at SciencesPo Paris and the University of Strathclyde. Journalist by background, he has reported on European affairs, social inequalities and culture for major media outlets in Italy, Germany, Estonia.
He is passionate about making complex policy and societal topics accessible, and about advancing digital transformation that is both humane and forward-looking.