Carolyn Lai is a technology policy and governance professional specializing in digital ethics, emerging technology, and the intersection of technology with human rights and global governance. She is a Graduate Fellow with the Yale Genocide Studies Program’s Mass Atrocities in the Digital Era (MADE) initiative at the Yale MacMillan Center, where she researches dual-use technology, accountability, and corporate responsibility in relation to mass atrocities. She previously served as an Innovation and Digital Transformation Advisor at the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, where she supported innovation and digitalization policy, prepared briefings on global innovation trends, and led initiatives to strengthen Austria’s international innovation ecosystem.

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Carolyn also served as Summer Ambassador for Tech Policy & Governance at The Digital Economist, contributing to published working papers and supporting the think tank’s Tech Policy & Governance working group and executive leadership. Earlier, she led creative production and innovation programming at the BOLD Community, building international partnerships, curating immersive technology experiences, and producing content for a global innovation network. Her background also includes brand and marketing leadership at Teach For Austria, editorial work at Metropole, and leadership roles with AIESEC Austria.