MISSION
To shape technology
for public benefit
by advancing sciences
of connection and integration
VISION
A world where humanity flourishes through interconnected systems and processes that enable cooperation on complex issues with integral consideration of the holistic societal impact
PLAN
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Create a new mathematical systems science
that rigorously addresses fundamental questions about the nature of communication, cooperation, and integrated cognition.
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Deploy this science through building publicly-oriented tools
including software and user interfaces, to create long-term, sustainable technology and social structures that provide a foundation for solving global problems such as safe AI or coordination around climate change.
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Ensure public benefit from this new technology
through anticipation and analysis of its societal impacts and through public engagement.
To pursue this plan, we highlight four interdependent strategic goals, each of which is given equal emphasis and is tightly intertwined with all others
We can only achieve our mission
through success in all four areas
1. ADVANCE A MATHEMATICAL SYSTEMS SCIENCE
2. IMPACT SOCIETY VIA SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY
Based on our mathematical systems research and in dialogue with user communities, we will create publicly-available and non-proprietary computational tools for integrating data, models, knowledge, and decisions.
We will collaborate with practitioners to demonstrate the efficacy of our tools in solving large-scale systems problems, in fields including epidemiology, climate science, systems engineering, and artificial intelligence. By mid-2023, a Topos- developed tool will be best practice for solving a problem in one of these fields, and pilot programs will be established in at least two others.
By 2024, we will launch programs for learning how to use our systems science and technology at all levels, from general public, to school and university students, to practicing professionals. By 2024, we target 1,000 participants through hands-on training programs, and 50,000 viewers/readers annually, with an emphasis on reaching international and underrepresented groups.
We will publish general-audience materials on potential societal impacts of emerging science and technology, especially that developed by Topos, as well as advise public interest and government groups. These materials will relate both opportunities to transform technology and society for public benefit, and potential risks and strategies for their mitigation.
3. FORGE ROBUST ETHICAL AND PROSOCIAL PRACTICES
By consulting expertise on present impacts of science and technology on society, we will examine what it means to, and how to, do good through our scientific work. By the end of 2022, an in-house impact and ethics team will take charge of incorporating the lessons into decision-making processes, internal training, and research strategy at Topos.
We will establish an independent audit committee to ensure progress toward and accountability in having positive social impact. Responsibilities will include evaluation of funding sources, external relationships, and societal consequences of our work.
We will exemplify a new model for integrating ethical practices into the development of technologies and systems. In particular, we will publicly and transparently report our work developing our scientific culture, training, values, and policies.
We will ensure that our staff at all levels reflects the population that is affected by our work. Our senior leadership will reflect a population half of which is female, and our staff teams will reflect the demographic and economic diversity of their local countries. In particular, we will establish procedures to recruit and nurture junior and senior talent across a wide range of social groups, and to create an inclusive culture.
4. NURTURE A THRIVING ORGANIZATION
We will build a team that is strongly aligned in pursuit of our mission, transparently respects all contributions to Topos, including those less traditionally visible, and supports each individual’s professional and personal lives.
We will constantly evaluate and improve the structures we use to work together, including reporting and management structures, meeting routines, feedback structures, and decision-making frameworks.
By 2023, we will expand and diversify our governing board, growing it to 5 – 7 members with expertise across key aspects of nonprofit science and technology organisations. We will also establish a working advisory council that can assist across all facets of Topos.
We will develop a diverse, stable revenue model capable of supporting Topos activities and growth. This will be grounded in philanthropic giving, and further supported by government and industry grants.