The Oxford Internet Institute aims to bring about a greater understanding of the various social factors that are shaping the Internet, and their implications for society. Central to this vision is a view of the Internet as a phenomenon that extends far beyond its basic technical capabilities and layers of diverse (and increasingly powerful) services and applications, to encompass all the people, services, information, and technologies that are intertwined in this 'network of networks'.

Prioritising the five key research areas (Governance, Education, e-Science, e-Society and Cross-Cutting Policy Issues) has been particularly important for the OII in its early stages of recruiting research staff, as it has given its research efforts a clear focus within the broader context of the Institute's overall global vision.