A Message from BU President Kenneth Freeman

Distinguished guests and colleagues, welcome to the 2023 Public Interest Technology University Network (PIT-UN) convening hosted by Boston University and New America Foundation.

You gather to discuss the crucial role of public interest technologies in American universities, with emphasis on partnerships for broad and lasting impact and based on core values of inclusivity and growth for all.

We are pleased to host this convening.  At Boston University we are committed to fostering innovation and invention that addresses the pressing challenges we face.  This is consistent with the University’s mission to generate new knowledge “to benefit society.”  And, as I imagine most of us in this room do, we here at BU define “society” broadly.  There are few corners of the world in which we are not engaged in transformative research.  This magnificent carbon-neutral building in which you are convening demonstrates our commitment to lead in data science; the building is only part of the story.  We work diligently to bring faculty together from across and outside the university.  We established the Faculty for Computing and Data Sciences, led by Azer Bestavros, in the recognition that data science and advance computation will necessarily inform and transform all major disciplines.

As you conduct your discussions today, I understand you will be guided by the principles and mission of the Public Interest Technology University Network.  The PIT-UN was founded on the belief that technology, when used ethically and with purpose, can be a powerful force for positive change in society.  The PIT-UN aims to bridge the gap between technology and the public interest, ensuring that the benefits of innovation are accessible to all.

A cornerstone of this year's convening is the emphasis on partnerships and institutional support.  We recognize that progress in the realm of public interest technology cannot be achieved in isolation.  It requires a concerted effort from universities, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and industry leaders.  Collaboration is vital to addressing the complex challenges facing our society today.  In particular, regional collaborations between universities and the public sector in cities and states have great potential to produce dramatic and positive change.

I am proud of the leadership role that Boston University has played in helping to develop and shape this Convening’s “Partnership for Impact” agenda with New America and others over the past few years.  We believe the Program our teams created will help us delve deeper into the world of public interest technology and stakeholders' role–and stakes–in it.

As we engage in these discussions and forge new partnerships, let us remember that our hope is to advance technology and ensure that it serves the public interest, promotes inclusivity, and drives development and growth.  Together, we can create a brighter, more equitable future for all.

I encourage you to actively participate in the sessions, network with your peers, and share your insights and experiences.  Thank you for joining us at the 2023 PIT-UN Convening.