A structured reference to the individuals shaping artificial intelligence across research, industry, governance, ethics, and public discourse. Curated as a resource for professionals navigating the AI landscape. For more see the full list at AI People.

Policy, Governance, and Global Regulation

Margrethe Vestager | Competition, Digital Regulation | European Union As EU Competition Commissioner, pursued major tech antitrust cases and shaped the AI Act. Her regulatory approach-treating digital platforms and AI as requiring serious governance-has influenced global policy discussions. Key works: EU AI Act, tech antitrust enforcement

Lina Khan | Antitrust, Market Concentration | United States FTC Chair whose work on platform power and antitrust affects AI market concentration. Her "Amazon's Antitrust Paradox" reshaped competition policy thinking; her FTC scrutinises AI deals and practices. Key works: "Amazon's Antitrust Paradox," FTC enforcement

Marietje Schaake | Tech Governance, Democracy | Netherlands Former MEP and Stanford fellow whose "The Tech Coup" argues tech companies have accrued governmental power without accountability. Advocates for democratic control over AI and platform decisions. Key works: "The Tech Coup" (2024), digital rights advocacy

Amandeep Singh Gill | Global AI Coordination | United Nations UN Secretary-General's Envoy on Technology coordinating international AI governance efforts. His work building global consensus represents attempts to govern AI beyond national boundaries. Key works: UN AI governance initiatives

Brad Smith | Corporate AI Governance | United States Microsoft President and CLO who advocates for AI regulation while navigating Microsoft's AI investments. His books and testimony present industry perspectives on AI governance. Key works: Microsoft AI governance, regulatory testimony

Audrey Tang | Digital Democracy, Governance Innovation | Taiwan Taiwan's first Digital Minister who pioneered participatory governance approaches for technology policy. Demonstrates alternative models for democratic engagement with AI and digital systems. Key works: Digital democracy initiatives, participatory governance

Kai-Fu Lee | US-China AI, Investment | China/Taiwan Former Google China head and investor who wrote "AI Superpowers," framing AI development as US-China competition. His perspective on Chinese AI capabilities and strategy shapes Western understanding of the landscape. Key works: "AI Superpowers" (2018), Sinovation Ventures

Toby Walsh | Governance Advocacy, Lethal Autonomy | Australia AI researcher who campaigns against lethal autonomous weapons through the Campaign to Stop Killer Robots. His accessible writing on AI governance reaches broad audiences. Key works: Lethal autonomous weapons campaigning, AI governance writing

How to Use This Directory

For research: Each entry includes key works and affiliations for deeper investigation.

For event planning: Filter by geographic base, domain, or public engagement experience.

For understanding the field: The categorisation reveals how different communities, from technical researchers, ethicists, policymakers, industry leaders all shape AI development.

For identifying perspectives: Note whose voices are included and whose might be missing from any particular AI conversation.

This directory is maintained as a resource for the AI age. Last updated: 2026.

Curated by Rahim Hirji for thesuperskills.com.

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