Diego Todaro

Diego Todaro is an expert in Asian and North African Studies at Ca' Foscari University of Venice, with a Ph.D. in Asian and African Studies (cum laude) from Ca' Foscari and Heidelberg University. His research focuses on artificial intelligence, digital governance, and public policy in China, particularly in Shanghai. He holds a Master's in Public Policy from the National University of Singapore and a BA and MA in Languages and Economic and Legal Institutions in Eastern Asia from Ca' Foscari. He lived and worked in Shanghai from 2010 to 2023, providing him with deep practical and academic insight into China's technological and administrative systems.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Asian and African Studies (2019–2023), Ca' Foscari University of Venice & Heidelberg University (double degree)
• Master's in Public Policy (2007–2009), National University of Singapore
• M.A. in Languages and Economic and Legal Institutions in Eastern Asia (2004–2007), Ca' Foscari University of Venice
• B.A. in Languages and Economic and Legal Institutions in Eastern Asia (2001–2004), Ca' Foscari University of Venice

His research interests include artificial intelligence in public administration, smart cities, digital transformation in China, AI ethics, and the societal implications of digital governance. He has conducted extensive research on Shanghai’s AI policy environment and its real-world implementation in public services, judiciary, and urban management.

Diego Todaro’s publications span academic books, peer-reviewed essays, think tank reports, and media commentary. His work analyzes the integration of AI in public governance, the rise of smart courts, health code systems, and innovation zones in China. His recent book, The Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Public Sector in Shanghai (2024), offers a comprehensive analysis of AI deployment in one of China’s most advanced cities.

Scientific Awards:

• Hic Labor Award 2023 for Ph.D. dissertation (public administration studies), Accademia Olimpica di Vicenza (2024)
• 3-year Ph.D. full scholarship from Italian Ministry of University and Research/Ca' Foscari (2019)
• 2-year Master's scholarship, National University of Singapore (2007)
• 1-year scholarship, China Scholarship Council (2005)

He has served as an assistant supervisor for B.A. and M.A. theses and delivered academic seminars at institutions including Politecnico di Milano, Ca' Foscari University, and the University of Bologna. He has presented at international conferences such as the Hawaii International Conference on Chinese Studies (2022) and the Early Career Researchers Conference at the University of Edinburgh (2021). He is also affiliated with research networks like Young China Watchers and the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy alumni network.

Diego Todaro has been involved in collaborative research projects with institutions such as the Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI), where he contributed to studies on the geopolitics of digital policy in China. His fieldwork and professional experience in Shanghai have informed his interdisciplinary approach, bridging political science, technology studies, and public administration.