About

About the Author

I'm Dean Ball, a researcher and writer focused on artificial intelligence policy, innovation governance, and how emerging technologies reshape society. My work explores the intersection of technology and human flourishing, seeking to understand both the promise and perils of rapid technological change.

Currently, I serve as a Research Fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, where I study AI policy and governance. Previously, I've worked in technology policy roles examining questions of innovation, competition, and regulatory design.

My writing has appeared in various publications, and I regularly speak on topics related to AI governance, the future of work, and technology policy.

About Projections

Projections is my personal writing space -- a place for essays that require more room to breathe than a thread or op-ed allows. The name reflects both the forward-looking nature of the work (projecting into possible futures) and the inherently interpretive act of making sense of complex systems.

Here you'll find long-form essays exploring questions like: How should we govern transformative AI systems? What does human agency mean in an increasingly automated world? How do we balance innovation's benefits against its risks? What institutional designs best serve human flourishing?

I aim for clarity over cleverness, depth over speed. These essays are meant to be read slowly, perhaps more than once. They're written for readers who appreciate nuance and are willing to sit with uncertainty.

Philosophy

I believe in the power of careful thinking and clear writing. Technology is reshaping our world faster than our institutions and mental models can adapt. Making sense of this moment requires intellectual humility, cross-disciplinary thinking, and a willingness to hold multiple perspectives simultaneously.

I try to avoid both techno-utopianism and doomerism. The future isn't predetermined -- it emerges from countless decisions made by individuals, organizations, and societies. Understanding the decision landscape clearly is the first step toward navigating it wisely.

Connect

You can find me on Twitter/X where I share shorter thoughts and engage in discussions. For longer-form work beyond these essays, check out my Substack.

I read all emails and appreciate thoughtful responses to my work. For speaking inquiries, collaborations, or just to say hello, you can reach me through the contact information on my institutional page.