IDEA Network Launches “The Role of Universities in the Ethical Digital Nation” Project
We are excited to announce that the IDEA Network has received funding from Scotland’s Future Series for an ambitious and timely project: “The Role of Universities in the Ethical Digital Nation.”
This initiative is dedicated to shaping the future of digital ethics in Scotland and beyond, with a particular focus on how universities can lead the way in this crucial transformation.
As part of this project, we are organising two key events designed to explore the role universities play in fostering ethical digital practices:
Workshop 1: The Role of Universities in the Ethical Digital Nation
- Date: 25th October 2024
- Location: University of St Andrews
- This flagship event will bring together academics, policymakers, and community leaders to discuss how universities can contribute to Scotland’s vision for an Ethical Digital Nation. We are thrilled to confirm Claudia Pagliari, Chair of the expert group that produced the Scottish Government’s report on “Building Trust in the Digital Era,” as one of our keynote speakers. The event will also feature a series of collaborative activities aimed at exploring what Scotland could look like in 2035, and how universities can help shape that vision through research and education.
Workshop 2: Co-Designing Ethical Digital Solutions
- Date: 13th December 2024
- Location: University of St Andrews
- This second event will focus on co-designing ethical digital interventions with direct community involvement. Leaders from academia, industry, and civil society will collaborate to create inclusive, user-centred digital solutions. This hands-on session will help translate the discussions from the first event into actionable strategies for ethical digital development.
Why This Matters
The project aligns closely with Scotland’s Digital Strategy, which introduces the concept of an Ethical Digital Nation—one that embraces the potential of digital technologies while mitigating the social and environmental impacts that too often accompany them. Universities, as hubs of innovation and education, have a critical role to play in this process. However, they also face significant challenges in these uncertain times, from economic pressures to threats to academic freedoms. This project aims to address these challenges head-on and outline how universities can contribute to building trust in digital technologies.
Through these events, we aim to strengthen the role of universities in Scotland’s digital strategy and facilitate interdisciplinary collaborations that will influence future research, education, and policy.
Next Steps: A White Paper
Following these events, we will produce a white paper outlining actionable steps for realising the vision of an Ethical Digital Nation. This document will provide a roadmap for universities to collaborate with the government, private sector, and civil society in advancing digital ethics across Scotland.