Researcher - AI & Digital Innovation Ecosystem

Researcher – AI & Digital Innovation Ecosystem
PPMI | Part of the Verian Group is a leading European research and policy analysis centre, helping public sector organisations address complex policy challenges through research, evaluation, data analytics and evidence-based advice.
Since 2023, PPMI has been part of Verian Group, an international research, evidence, evaluation and communications agency working with governments and the public realm. Together, we combine deep public policy expertise with advanced research methods, data science and technology to support better decision-making and positive societal impact.
Our Vilnius-based team works extensively with the European Commission, EU agencies and other international institutions, delivering projects across a wide range of public policy areas.

About the Role:
We are looking for a Researcher - AI & Digital Innovation Ecosystem to join our team and contribute to the Digital Transformation Accelerator (DTA2), a flagship European initiative supporting the network of European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) and the wider European digital and AI innovation ecosystem.
This is an opportunity to work at the intersection of AI, digital transformation, innovation and European public policy.
You will contribute to research and analytical activities supporting evidence-based policy implementation, stakeholder engagement and ecosystem development across Europe. Working with colleagues, partners and stakeholders across the EU, you will gather and analyse evidence, monitor emerging developments and translate complex information into clear and actionable insights.

Key responsibilities

In this role, you will:

• Conduct research and analysis on AI, digital transformation and emerging EU policy initiatives.
• Monitor developments related to the AI Office, Apply AI Strategy, AI Factories, EDIHs and other European digital innovation programmes.
• Design and conduct surveys, interviews and stakeholder consultations.
• Analyse quantitative and qualitative data and translate findings into meaningful and actionable insights.
• Contribute to impact assessments, analytical reports, policy briefs and strategic papers.
• Support the mapping and monitoring of AI and digital innovation actors, initiatives and ecosystem developments across Europe.
• Prepare presentations, briefings and background research for meetings, workshops and events.
• Collaborate with colleagues, partners and stakeholders involved in European digital and AI initiatives.

Requirements

• A Master’s degree or higher in public policy, economics, political science, innovation studies, AI governance, digital transformation, data science or a related field.
• Strong analytical and research skills.
• Experience conducting policy, innovation or ecosystem analysis.
• Knowledge of European digital and innovation policies.
• Familiarity with the European AI ecosystem, including policy initiatives, innovation support structures, research networks, start-ups, scale-ups and public-sector initiatives.
• Experience working with surveys, stakeholder consultations and data analysis.
• Excellent written and spoken English, with the ability to communicate complex findings clearly to different audiences.
• A proactive and collaborative approach and an interest in working in a rapidly evolving policy and technology environment.

It Would Be an Advantage If You Have

• Knowledge of the European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs).
• Understanding of the AI adoption challenges faced by SMEs and public administrations.
• Experience working on EU-funded projects or with European institutions.
• Familiarity with AI policy, AI governance or innovation ecosystem development.

Why Join Us?
At PPMI | Part of the Verian Group, you will have the opportunity to work on projects that contribute directly to European policy development and address real-world challenges.

We offer:

• The opportunity to work on high-profile European and international research and policy projects.
• Gross monthly salary from EUR 2,000 to EUR 2,800, depending on your experience and qualifications.
• Collaboration with experienced researchers, policy experts, data scientists and international partners.
• Flexible working arrangements, with both hybrid and fully remote options available.
• Flexi-time: we operate with no fixed office hours, so you can work when you feel most productive.
• Performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Additional days off as you grow with us, as well as extra personal leave days.
• Private health insurance.
• Learning and development opportunities, including internal and external training.
• Access to the Mindletic wellbeing platform.
• A multicultural working environment in our office in central Vilnius.
• Regular company events and team activities.

How to Apply
If you are interested in using research and evidence to contribute to the future of AI and digital innovation in Europe, we would love to hear from you.

Please submit your CV through our application system.
We review applications based on relevant experience, skills and motivation. Candidates whose profiles most closely match the requirements of the role will be invited to the next stage of the recruitment process.

We value diversity and welcome applications from people with different backgrounds and experiences. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.