Foundations for the Digital Commons

Where? The Roux Institute at Northeastern University - 100 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101, USA

When? October 30-31, 2025

Please RSVP for the event here if you would like to attend.

This two-day event unites leaders, builders, lawyers, and technologists to advance the future of tech, policy and digital infrastructure to benefit the common good. Together, we’ll tackle emerging challenges and bold opportunities in collective data governance, digital deliberation, democratic innovation, and the rapidly evolving landscape of AI, antitrust, and intellectual property.

Hosted by the Roux Institute in partnership with RadicalxChange, and Bernstein Shur, the event will feature:

  • Fast-paced lightning talks, breakout sessions, and collaborative deliberations

  • Workshops to align on legal frameworks and policy solutions

  • A civic tech hackathon focused on digital deliberation tools and interoperability

  • Curated networking mixers and engaging programming—all set in beautiful Portland, Maine

Agenda

Thursday, October 30 – Framing & Foundations

  • 8:30–9:00am | Check-in & Coffee

  • 9:00–9:05am | Welcome from Roux Institute

  • 9:05–9:20am | New England’s Opportunity to Lead

  • 9:30-10:30am | Workshop 1: Citizens’ Assembly

  • 10:45-11:45am | Workshop 2: Data Bargaining & Cooperatives

  • 11:45am- 12:45pm | Lunch

  • 12:45 - 1:45pm | Digital Deliberation Tools Demos

  • 1:45- 2:45pm | Policy Pathways for Participatory Democracy and Data Stewardship

  • 3:00 - 4:00pm | Keynote

  • 4:00-5:00pm | Networking Reception

  • 5:00-7:00pm | Evening Reception

Friday, October 31 – Innovation Sprint

  • 9:00-9:30am | Breakfast & Networking

  • 9:30am-10:15am | Inspiration & Problem Framing

  • 10:15 - 10:30am | Team Formation & Planning

  • 10:30 - 11:30am | Research & Discovery Sprint

  • 11:30 - 1:00pm | Hackathon Work Sessions & Lunch

  • 1:00 - 2:00pm | Mentor Meetings

  • 2:00-3:00pm | Pitches & Group Feedback

Travel and Accomodations

Hotels

We’ve secured discounted rates at the following hotels within walking distance to the venue:

Flying into Portland

  • The nearest airport is Portland International Jetport (PWM), located just 15 minutes from downtown.

  • From the airport, you can take a bus, taxi, or use Uber/Lyft to get to the Roux Institute.

Flying into Boston

  • If you’re flying into Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), you have a few easy options to get to Portland:

    • Concord Coach Lines offers direct bus service from Logan Airport to downtown Portland.

      • Buses run multiple times daily, with pickup right at each terminal.

      • The trip takes about 2 hours and drops you off at Thompson’s Point in Portland.

      • From there, it’s a 10–15 minute ride to the Roux Institute by taxi, Uber/Lyft, or local bus.

    • Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive (approx. 2 hours north via I‑95).

    Tip: Book Concord Coach in advance at concordcoachlines.com for best availability.

How To Attend

Please RSVP for the event here if you would like to attend.

The Roux Institute

Through integrating graduate-level learning, world-class research, industry partnership, and groundbreaking entrepreneurship, Northeastern University’s Roux Institute operates as a tech talent and innovation hub for Maine and beyond, driving bold innovation at the intersection of tech, data, and the life sciences.

RadicalxChange

RadicalxChange Foundation is a 501©(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to democratic innovation and institutional design through operational partnerships and experimental projects between academia, government, art, technology, and beyond.

Bernstein Shur

Bernstein Shur is a New England-headquartered law firm that advises clients across the US and around the world.