The Digital Policy Leadership Program is open to bachelor’s students from all INSPER (São Paulo) and University of St.Gallen courses. It is designed for those who wish to gain knowledge, experience, networking, and leadership skills in digital policy, benefiting from international exposure and mentorship from experienced professors and researchers.
The University of St.Gallen specializes in business administration, economics, law, international affairs, and computer science and offers an extensive curriculum and research in topics related to digital technologies. INSPER is a leading institution in São Paulo, Brazil, offering innovative and interdisciplinary programs in law, business administration, economics, computer science, and engineering. The Exchange Office at INSPER provides extensive support and integration opportunities for exchange students.
St.Gallen, the capital of the Canton of St.Gallen, features heritage sites of national significance and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is close to nature and the mountains, and offers a vibrant student life. São Paulo, Brazil’s largest city, is a vibrant metropolis and a hub for tech companies, digital policy research, and advocacy. The city offers a dynamic mix of cultural experiences, making it an exciting place to live and study.
Partners: University of St.Gallen, Switzerland and INSPER, Brazil
Duration: 4 or 5 months abroad, in the fall or spring semester
Scholarship Funding: The Lemann Foundation covers the costs of flights, visas, accommodation, and meals for the duration of the study abroad scholarship.
Key points
Funded by the Lemann Foundation and offered by the University of St.Gallen and INSPER, the program gives Bachelor's students the opportunity to benefit from both institutions' strengths in digital policy.
Participants attend courses, carry out research projects, and build connections to further develop their knowledge and skills. The program integrates interdisciplinary perspectives from the Swiss and Brazilian contexts and offers opportunities for developing leadership qualities and career paths in digital policy.
As part of the exchange program, students will participate in activities designed to enhance their understanding and skills in digital policy, including:
I am an assistant professor (with tenure track) of International Law and Economics at the University of St.Gallen in Switzerland. I am also deputy director of InternetLab, a think tank in São Paulo dedicated to developing evidence-based, human rights-compliant internet policy. My research focuses on AI and platform governance from a sociotechnical perspective, as well as on intellectual property and cultural and knowledge-related practices. I was a member of the Brazilian Senate's expert commission that drafted an AI regulation bill.
Before moving to Switzerland, alongside my work at InternetLab, I taught and coordinated the "Law and Technology" certificate program within INSPER's Executive Education. Previously, I worked at the Center for Technology and Society at Fundação Getúlio Vargas in Rio de Janeiro, and before that as legal coordinator at the Museum of Modern Art of São Paulo. As a lawyer, I primarily worked with cultural heritage institutions and cultural projects. I am especially proud of developing a copyright policy for the Pinacoteca do Estado de São Paulo, which supports the institution in its goals of cultural preservation and outreach.
I earned my doctorate at the University of São Paulo and studied and conducted research at LMU Munich, Yale University, and UC Berkeley Law School. Before studying law, I completed technical training in data processing at COTUCA-Unicamp. I am the author and co-author of several books and numerous academic articles, which can be found on my academic profiles online.
Ivar Hartmann has been teaching and publishing in the field of "Law and Technology" for over 15 years. He has published 12 books, 41 journal articles, and 12 book chapters. According to the AD Scientific Index 2024, he ranks among the 75 most-cited Brazilian legal scholars, measured by Google Scholar h-index over the past six years. Hartmann has been cited by, among others, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Le Monde, Reuters, Folha de São Paulo, O Globo, Valor Econômico, Estadão, and Correio Braziliense. As a law professor, Hartmann has appeared before Brazil's Federal Supreme Court and the Brazilian Congress to present his research findings on freedom of expression, online disinformation, and the regulation of artificial intelligence. He holds an LLB and MSc from the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUC-RS), an LLM from Harvard Law School, and a doctorate from the State University of Rio de Janeiro. Hartmann is an associate professor at INSPER in São Paulo (since 2021) and was a professor at FGV Law School in Rio de Janeiro (2013–2020), where he headed, among other things, the Center for Technology and Society (CTS-FGV).
Applicants must be Bachelor's students at the University of St.Gallen/INSPER, bring a strong interest in digital policy, and be able to demonstrate that the program aligns with their career goals. Participants commit to actively participating in the program activities.
At the University of St.Gallen, many courses are offered in English. German skills are advantageous for student life. For this purpose, the University of St.Gallen's mobility services offer a basic course before each semester.
At INSPER: Although courses at INSPER can be taken in English, basic knowledge of Portuguese is advantageous for settling in and integration. The University of St.Gallen offers Portuguese courses, which are recommended for successful applicants.
For students at the University of St.Gallen: Applications for the fall semester 2027 and spring semester 2028 will become available in the coming months.
For INSPER students: Applications for the spring semester 2027 have been accepted since February 2026. The application deadline ends on April 20, 2026. Please visit the application portal to submit all required documents.
“Studying at St.Gallen transformed my life...”
“...an experience that has truly broadened my horizons...”
“...a highlight of the experience was engaging with United Nations representatives...”
“...I have seen sights I never believed I would get to see up close...”
“INSPER challenged me to think in new ways...”
“...I returned more independent, curious, and inspired...”
“...I was deeply moved by the warmth and openness of the people, and I return with lasting friendships, new perspectives, and a deep connection to Brazil...”
“... I look forward to working alongside fellow students from Brazil and Switzerland at the intersection of technology, politics and society, growing not only academically but also as a person...”
“...I'm especially excited about the opportunity to study in Brazil, learn from a different context, and engage with students and researchers from diverse backgrounds...”
“...what fascinates me most about the DPLP Program is its unique combination of academic research and hands on exposure to real world challenges...”
Contact Information
University of St.Gallen:
For questions about the application/registration for an exchange semester and about visa procedures:
Student Mobility Services
Paula Vignola de Marco
Dufourstrasse 50
CH-9000 St. Gallen
Phone: +41 71 224 34 08
paula.vignolademarco@unisg.ch
Academic Questions:
Prof. Dr. Mariana Valente
Varnbüelstrasse 19
CH-9000 St. Gallen
Phone number: +41 71 224 26 13
mariana.valente@unisg.ch
Scholarship Details:
Leilani Dian Mendes
Varnbüelstrasse 19
CH-9000 St. Gallen
leilani.dianmendes@student.unisg.ch
INSPER:
For academic questions and questions about your studies:
Prof. Dr. Ivar A. Hartmann
Office 710
Rua Quatá, 300 – Vila Olímpia
São Paulo, SP – Brasil
CEP: 04546-042
ivarAGMLH@insper.edu.br
For questions regarding student life, university administration, ECTS credits, etc.:
Student Mobility Services
Andreia Lopes de Castro Ribeiro
Rua Quatá, 300 – Vila Olímpia
São Paulo, SP – Brasil
CEP: 04546-042
andreialcr@insper.edu.br
