Beginning in 2017 to 2021, UMi conducted Phase 1 of its UMi Conscious Attention Economy (CAE) Study which focused on research, development, and community-stakeholder collaboration to pioneer CAE-focused civic infrastructure and the advancement of ‘Data Sovereignty’ standards in Pittsburgh and Washington, DC. UMi collaborated with the CAE Initiative, Future Capital, and United Nations to publish informative briefs on elements and principles needed to develop the world’s first CAE.

In 2023, UMi launched Phase 2 and 3 of its UMi CAE Study which focuses on educational curricula development and capacity-building programs. 2024 marks a significant milestone for UMi with the opening of a first-of-its-kind innovation studio. This dynamic space sets the stage for design-thinking challenges and invites meaningful collaboration between Information Architecture experts, CAE Community Initiative participants, and UMi Members. In 2030, Phase 4 begins with UMi jumpstarting entrepreneurship and job opportunities for the CAE.