The artificial intelligence governance ecosystem is maturing and rapidly expanding in tandem. While the scope of AI governance activities continues to evolve, it has become increasingly clear there are a broad range of stakeholders working to advance the various processes and practices across the AI governance value chain. Some of these roles, such as developers, deployers, integrators and distributors, have been identified and defined in AI legislation. However, when we work with organizations to understand their AI governance processes, it is apparent there are many more stakeholders involved. Understanding all these roles and their relation to one another is often a topic of discussion within the AI governance community. To better understand these crucial relationships and their impact on the various AI governance functions, we have created this diagram to identify the different stakeholders and their relationship to one another within the AI governance ecosystem.
Missing from this diagram are the venues where these actors come together, namely conferences like the IAPP’s AI Governance Global, summits and workshops. These are important fora where leaders convene to discuss issues and best practices. These events have led to significant changes in policy directions. The diagram captures this as an important aspect of the AI governance ecosystem, as these venues are forums where stakeholders meet and would not be captured in an AI governance process.
This resource models this ecosystem as it stands in early 2025. It was created through referencing several AI governance frameworks, passed and proposed legislation, and reports from international organizations. Other terms were created based on discussions with organizations that have implemented robust AI governance programs. Additionally, several experts in the AI governance field were consulted throughout the resource's the development. As AI governance still takes many forms within organizations, feedback is always welcome for future iterations.
Additionally, the IAPP has an AI topic page that is regularly updated with the latest news and resources.
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Additional AI governance resources
AI Governance Dashboard newsletter Stay on top of the latest AI governance news, learn about our new offerings and engage in the development of the AI governance profession. View here
Artificial Intelligence topic page On this topic page, you can find the IAPP’s collection of coverage, analysis and resources on AI connections to the privacy space. View here
AI Governance Center The IAPP AI Governance Center provides privacy and AI governance professionals with the content, resources, networking, training and certification needed to respond to the complex risks in the AI field. View here
AI Governance in Practice Report This report aims to inform AI governance professionals of the most significant challenges to be aware of when building and maturing an AI governance program. View here
AI research institutes have played an integral role in the AI ecosystem, often leading the understanding of AI use, risks and governance best practices. Existing in both universities and large technology companies, these institutes vary in areas of focus and scope.
Examples, Activities or Functions
→ Use and implement innovative AI like agentic AI, catastrophic risk and mitigation measures, and infrastructure opportunities.
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International organizations
Description
International organizations play a pertinent role in convening AI conversations, primarily dedicated to governance and policy objectives. Given the importance of harmonization and interoperability across jurisdictions globally, international organizations are a forum to develop common principles, objectives and guidance, as well as share best practices and coordinate multilateral agreements.
Examples, Activities or Functions
→ Host convenings like the UN General Assembly and the G7.
→ Develop principles and guidance like the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's AI principles and Codes of Practice.
→ Negotiate treaties like the Council of Europe's AI treaty.
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Civil society
Description
Civil society organizations play a variety of roles including advocating for specific policy objectives, researching public interest issues and providing guidance for organizations.
Examples, Activities or Functions
→ Include advocacy groups and civil rights organizations.
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Legislators
Description
Lawmakers are tasked with enacting legislation that reflects the will of their constituents.
Examples, Activities or Functions
→ Include national parliaments and state assemblies.
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Regulators
Description
Regulators are nonelected governmental bodies charged with implementing and enforcing regulations as set out in legislation.
Examples, Activities or Functions
→ Include digital ministries and communications departments.
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Standard setters
Description
Standard setters exist outside of the national government to ensure organizations have set standards, such as terminology around AI use, when working with other companies.
Examples, Activities or Functions
→ Create and refine standards.
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Assurance and tool vendors
Description
These vendors exist to fill gaps in assurance and to provide tools for AI governance.
Examples, Activities or Functions
→ Provide governance, risk and compliance tools.
→ Conduct external audits.
→ Test and evaluate.
→ Review codes and data.
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Service, compliance and advisory vendors
Description
These vendors provide services to support the legal, management and compliance efforts at organizations.
Examples, Activities or Functions
→ Provide legal advice and accreditation.
→ Advise on AI governance frameworks and process orchestration.
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Professional associations
Description
These associations offer professional guidance to those in the field of AI governance, including through research, conferences and certification programs.
Examples, Activities or Functions
→ Organize conferences and events.
→ Provide certifications.
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Shareholders and investors
Description
Shareholders and investors ensure companies adequately invest in innovation, while trying to avoid losses and minimize risk. This plays out in AI governance, as they should want organizations to increase efficiency through AI while managing associated risks.
Examples, Activities or Functions
→ Include hedge funds, venture capital funds, pension funds and founders.
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Developers
Description
Developers create AI systems or general-purpose AI models.
Examples, Activities or Functions
→ Include large tech companies and small AI-focused startups.
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Deployers
Description
Deployers are those who deploy AI systems in their organizations.
Examples, Activities or Functions
→ Include large, medium and small companies.
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Distributors
Description
Distributors license, import or integrate AI models into marketed products.
Examples, Activities or Functions
→ Include importers, integrators.
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AI input suppliers
Description
Input suppliers make available the important factors for the development and deployment of AI, such as training data, models and computing infrastructure.
Governance of AI often begins with a jurisdiction rolling out a national strategy or ethics policy instead of legislating from the get-go. This tracker identifies legislative and policy developments in a subset of jurisdictions. The tracker also offers brief commentary on the broader AI context and ...
