We invite you to a timely Australian talk with one of the world’s leading experts on democratic innovation and the future of AI, Professor Beth Simone Noveck, director of the Burnes Centre for Social Change, and author of Reboot: AI and the Race to Save Democracy, as she shares insights from her latest book at UTS on Thursday 27 August.

As trust in institutions is increasingly under pressure and democracy faces growing challenges around the world, artificial intelligence has emerged as a transformative force, rapidly reshaping how decisions are made. At this pivotal moment, Beth Noveck poses a critical question: Will AI tighten the grip of power – or help rebuild public institutions that work for people?

In Reboot, Beth argues that we have built extraordinary technologies without yet applying them to one of society's greatest challenges: democracy itself. She explores how AI can help institutions listen better, engage citizens more meaningfully and deliver better outcomes for the communities they serve.

Beth will be in conversation with Carl Rhodes, Professor of Business and Society and Director of the Ultimo Institute at UTS, with closing remarks from Professor Sally Cripps, Co-Director of the Human Technology Institute at UTS, as they explore opportunities for democratic renewal in the age of artificial intelligence – and how emerging technologies can be used to strengthen citizen participation and public trust, and serve public good rather than concentrate power.

“Noveck makes you think about some of the hardest questions facing democracy and technology today, and I found myself revisiting my positions more than once.” Vint Cerf, Internet pioneer

5.30pm      Registration
6.00pm       Event commences
7.00pm       Audience Q&A

Location: Level 3, UTS Business School (UTS Building 8), 14-28 Ultimo Road, Ultimo

This event is presented by the Human Technology Institute and the Ultimo Institute at UTS, in collaboration with the Australian Resilient Democracy Network (ARDN) and Gleebooks.

Professor Noveck is visiting Australia as the ARDN International Fellow for 2026, jointly co-hosted by the Australian National University (ANU) and the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and supported by the Office for Social Cohesion (OSC). The fellowship is exploring democratic innovation, public participation, and technology-enabled governance.

Contact the host of Can AI save democracy? In Conversation with Beth Simone Noveck

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