Digital Societies – research group at the Department of Informatics
Digital Societies research group focuses on advancing our understanding of how digitalisation shapes societies, businesses, and education.
Our research examines the impact of technology use across diverse contexts of varying levels of digital maturity, from data-driven organisations employing advanced digital platforms and AI technologies to under-resourced communities with limited access to technology, where basic digital tools serve as a means of daily survival.
Our vision therefore is to develop inclusive and critical knowledge that addresses value systems whether social or organisational and their impact on the use of information systems, from a global perspective. We use a combination of theories, methods and approaches to achieve this vision including the integration of information systems and computer science, interaction design, digital innovation, and other approaches aimed at creating a more holistic view that blends technological and human-centered perspectives for the future of digital transformation.
Research areas
- Digital inequalities: Examining the disparities in access, skills, and opportunities related to digital technologies, with a focus on how marginalised groups are affected by (e.g. workforce displacement) and can benefit from digital transformation efforts.
- Responsible information systems: Investigating ethical concerns, security, privacy, and responsible innovation in IS development and deployment.
- Socially-embedded technologies: Investigating how technologies are integrated into everyday life, considering local social norms, cultural practices, and the broader societal impacts of digital tools and platforms.
- Digital transformation of society: Analyzing the broader effects of digitalization on societal structures, governance, and public services, with a focus on creating equitable and inclusive digital futures.
- Digital transformation of the workplace: Understanding how digital tools and platforms reshape work environments, organisational practices, and employee experiences, particularly in hybrid work models and evolving workplace structures.
- Social implications of AI: Studying the impact of AI tools in society including digital literacy and equitable access.