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P236


The human in human-centered innovation and STS 
Convenors:
Brit Winthereik (IT University of Copenhagen)
Benjamin Lipp (Technical University of Denmark)
Anders Kristian Munk (Technical University of Denmark)
Søren Riis
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Discussant:
Tanja Schneider (Technical University of Denmark)
Format:
Traditional Open Panel
Location:
HG-05A33
Sessions:
Friday 19 July, -
Time zone: Europe/Amsterdam

Short Abstract:

How is the human enacted in human-centred digital innovation and to what effects? We invite submissions that engage empirically, critically and/or experimentally with the practices that mobilise the human in quests for responsible digitalization.

Long Abstract:

In the face of the digital re-distribution of agency and decision-making through artificial intelligence and related digital technologies, we witness the re-emergence of human-centred innovation as a vehicle to re-align digital technology with human needs. We see both research and policy initiatives promoting human-centred AI, human centred design of digital systems, human centred leadership, or human centred business practices.

However, it is rarely (if ever) made explicit which version of the human is being centred and, equally consequential, which versions of the human are being decentred in those processes. Rather, the human is taken for granted as if it was self-evident what capacities we associate it with, how we delimit it, or which values we take it to hold. To further complicate this situation, claims of diversity, risk to be thwarted by the exclusionary assumptions implicit in innovation practices seeking to become human-centred.

This panel invites contributions that inquire into the enactment of the human in human-centred digital innovation figurations and processes. We welcome empirical contributions, critical theoretical reflection, and experimental engagements with how specific versions of the human come to be taken for granted, while others become sidelined or marginalized. This includes the concrete consequences of how digital technology is being developed and policy interventions are framed.

Contributions might for example discuss, although they should not limit themselves to, the following questions:

● How is human-centricity practiced at digital innovation hot spots and/or in policy making?

● What concepts of the human are used to make diversity manageable at such sites?

● How can existing methodologies, concepts, and models be improved and can it be done with STS?

● Is it possible to we leverage human-centredness for engaging issues of equity and diversity within infrastructure studies and post-humanism. If not, what other pathways must we create?

Accepted papers:

Session 1 Friday 19 July, 2024, -