Are our institutions equipped for the challenges of an open society’s future?

Are existing formal and informal institutions able to cope with challenges such as growing socio-economic inequality, the power of 'big tech', the climate crisis, terrorism and discrimination and distrust in government and science? And, if current institutions fail, how can they be adapted and improved to better contribute to open and resilient societies?

Within Institutions for Open Societies (IOS), scholars from a wide field of expertise work together with social partners on these issues because only through joint efforts and constructive dialogue can we develop knowledge and solutions for the challenges of our time. Read more about IOS.

Institutions for Open Societies is one of the four interdisciplinary themes of Utrecht University. The other themes are Dynamics of YouthLife Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability.