About

Shyam Krishna is a Research Leader at RAND Europe. With expertise in AI and emerging technologies, his multidisciplinary experience builds on career in technology policy, mixed-methods research, business analytics, and engineering. Over the years, he has engaged with governments across the globe, including the UK, the EU, India, Indonesia, Türkiye, and Tanzania, through his roles at UNESCO and the Alan Turing Institute.
His work centers on designing and delivering research-led programmes that take a government-wide approach to AI governance. This includes identifying AI policy pathways aligned with national priorities, establishing normative and regulatory frameworks, and collaborating with stakeholders to institute capacity-building initiatives. He has played a key role in advising governments navigate the complexities of AI governance by fostering informed policy decisions and frameworks that balance innovation with ethical considerations.
Additionally, he has contributed to the development of practical guides, workshops and other engagement aimed at upskilling policymakers in AI governance. He also has deep experience in facilitating research exercises with a diverse range of stakeholders.
Krishna received his Ph.D. in critical data studies and information systems from Royal Holloway, University of London.


Roles

RAND Europe – Research Leader – Science and Emerging Technologies. From March 2025

UNESCO -Ethics of AI Unit – Programme Specialist. May 2024 – Mar 2025

The Alan Turing Institute – Post-doctoral Researcher –Ethics / Public Policy. Jul 2022-May 2024

UCL – Post-Doctoral Research Fellow in Anthropology. Nov 2021 – Jun 2022.

Visiting Lecturer at Digital Environment Research Institute at Queen Mary University of London, (2023 – ongoing)

Visiting Lecturer at ESCP Europe Business School (2018 & 2019)

Education

PhD, Critical Data Studies/Information Systems. Department of Digital Innovation and Management, Royal Holloway, University of London (2022).

MSc ICTs for Development, University of Manchester (2013).

MBA (Post Graduate Diploma in Management), Indian Institute of Management, Shillong (2010).

Bachelor of Engineering (Electronics & Communication), Anna University, India (2006).