Robert Klitgaard Keynote Speaker

ACE Award (Academic Research & Education), 2024
President, Claremont Graduate University (2005–2009)
Author of Controlling Corruption; Tropical Gangsters

Robert Klitgaard's Biography

Robert Klitgaard is a leading authority on anti-corruption, governance, and development whose ideas have shaped policy in capitals around the world. A University Professor at Claremont Graduate University, he led the university as President (2005–2009) and has advised institutions and governments in more than 40 countries. His approach blends rigorous analysis with field-tested pragmatism, equipping leaders to diagnose institutional failure and deliver measurable reform.

Klitgaard’s books have influenced a generation of policymakers and scholars. Cornerstones include Controlling Corruption and Tropical Gangsters named one of the New York Times’ Books of the Century. Recent works span The Culture and Development Manifesto (OUP, 2021), Prevail (2022), and two 2023 titles—Policy Analysis for Big Issues and Bold and Humble. In 2025, he co-authored Co-Intelligence Applied, an anthology on human–AI collaboration across sectors.

His leadership and scholarship continue to earn global recognition. In November 2024 he received the Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award (Academic Research & Education). In June 2025, ScholarGPS ranked him among the world’s top 50 scholars in corruption, policy analysis, and exploratory data analysis. He also develops practical toolkits—including generative-AI prompt packages—to help teams convene stakeholders, craft cases, and turn talk into action. Audiences value the clear frameworks, vivid case studies, and immediate takeaways he brings to every engagement.

Robert’s official website: https://robertklitgaard.com

The Future of Governance: Governing Intelligence in an Age of AI

The rise of Generative AI means intelligence, insight, and simulation are becoming abundant. That plentitude—combined with severe disruption to work, security, and information—will make many existing policies obsolete and open possibilities that today seem unthinkable. Klitgaard explores how leaders in government, business, and universities can rethink strategy, regulation, and public value in this new landscape. Rather than offering one more list of “AI safeguards,” he challenges audiences to ask bolder questions and design institutions that harness intelligent tools to advance integrity, opportunity, and trust.

Integrity by Design: New Rules for Corruption, Compliance, and Corporate Crime

How do you prevent abuse before it happens? Drawing on his landmark work in anti-corruption and institutional reform, Klitgaard offers concrete frameworks for public agencies, state-owned enterprises, regulators, and global firms. He explains how data, incentives, and culture can be aligned—now including AI tools—to make integrity the system’s default, not a heroic exception.

Co-Intelligence in Practice: How Human–AI Teams Transform Learning and Leadership

Based on his recent books and live work with universities, multilaterals, and executives, Klitgaard demonstrates how human–AI “co-intelligence” can upgrade research, strategy, and decision-making. Audiences see responsible use of Generative AI in action—clarifying problems, probing evidence, mapping scenarios—and leave with practical ways to apply these tools in their own institutions.

Fixing Failing Institutions: What Works (and What Doesn’t)

When institutions are corrupt, stuck, or adrift, what actually turns them around? Klitgaard distills lessons from reforms in Latin America, Africa, Asia, and advanced economies, highlighting the roles of incentives, information, leadership, and coalition-building. A candid, story-rich session that gives leaders a toolkit for making real change in hard places.