Celebrating Our First Workshop: The Role of Universities in the Ethical Digital Nation
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” —Helen Keller
On October 25, 2024, the IDEA Network proudly hosted its first workshop of “The Role of Universities in the Ethical Digital Nation” series at the University of St Andrews, funded by Scotland’s Future Series. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended and contributed to this essential dialogue on academia’s role in shaping an ethical digital future.
Highlights
The workshop gathered a diverse audience of academics, policymakers, and community leaders, all focused on exploring how universities can lead in ethical digital practices. Here are some highlights:
Prof Monique MacKenzie, Vice-Principal (Digital Education, Research and Environment), introduced the workshop and keynote speaker, setting the tone for a day filled with insightful discussions and collaborative activities.
Talks
The first three talks set a powerful foundation for the workshop:
Keynote Address by Dr Claudia Pagliari
Dr Pagliari, chair of the expert group that developed the Scottish Government’s report, Building Trust in the Digital Era, delivered a thought-provoking keynote at our recent workshop. She shared insights into the report’s key findings, emphasizing the urgent need for trust in digital interactions. Dr Pagliari outlined the report’s framework for ethical digital transformation and the critical role it envisions for institutions in promoting transparency, accountability, and fairness.
Her address highlighted how ethical principles can and should guide the development and application of digital technologies, urging universities to actively contribute to shaping a trusted digital future. Dr Pagliari’s talk set the tone for a day of deep reflection and practical discussions as participants considered the next steps for advancing Scotland’s vision for an ethical digital nation.
Talk by Dr Özgür Akgün: A Few Ways Computer Scientists Can Contribute to an Ethical Digital Nation
In this session, Dr Akgün discussed various initiatives from the School of Computer Science, inviting participants to reflect on how these efforts can enhance societal impact. He distinguished between engineering/programming and computer science, clarifying that while programming focuses on direct applications, computer science is where transformative breakthroughs can be discovered. Dr Akgün also provided examples of impactful research and its connection to broader university strategies.
Talk by Dr Alex Voss: First, Do No Harm — And Then?
Dr Voss addressed the need to move beyond traditional conceptions of ethics in computing. His presentation provided context and case studies on ethical digital practices, including caring practices and the integration of rights in technology development. He challenged participants to rethink their approaches to digital ethics in light of these considerations.
Collaborative Activities
Throughout the workshop, interactive group sessions encouraged attendees to brainstorm actionable steps universities can take to foster an ethical digital nation by 2035. The discussions highlighted both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
The workshop featured several engaging activities designed to foster collaboration and generate actionable ideas.
1- Answering Key Prompt: Participants worked in groups to discuss at a high level what universities need to do by 2035 to contribute to an ethical digital nation.
2- Shaping the Journey Ahead: In pairs, attendees defined actionable steps for universities to support the transition toward an ethical digital nation.
3- My Role in the Journey: Participants individually reflected on their personal commitments by writing letters to themselves about the first steps they would take toward contributing to an ethical digital nation, promoting accountability and action. We will post these letters one month after the workshop.
4- We (Abd and Kirsty from the School of Computer Science) presented the IDEA Network as a case study on how universities can actively support an Ethical Digital Nation. We highlighted the network’s collaborative approach to digital inclusion and ethical technology development, demonstrating its impact through ongoing projects, events, and community outreach initiatives.
Our talk also introduced the upcoming second workshop, Co-Designing with Communities for an Ethical Digital Nation, which will focus on developing actionable, community-centred strategies. We invited attendees to explore opportunities to engage with the IDEA Network through grants, membership, and regular meetups, opening the door for broader involvement in shaping ethical digital practices at local and national levels. This session underscored the Network’s commitment to co-designing solutions that reflect and respond to the needs of diverse communities.
Looking Ahead: Our Next Steps
Building on the insights gathered, we are excited to announce our second workshop:
Workshop 2: Co-Designing with Communities for an Ethical Digital Nation
📅Time & Date: 10:00 AM — 12:30 PM, December 13, 2024.
📍Location: Walter Bower House, University of St Andrews, Guardbridge.
This upcoming workshop will focus on co-designing ethical digital interventions with community involvement. We aim to continue the collaborative spirit from the first workshop, developing practical strategies that address community needs regarding ethical digital practices.
Why This Matters
This initiative is about creating a roadmap for real change, aligning our efforts with Scotland’s Digital Strategy. We envision an Ethical Digital Nation that empowers individuals while addressing the risks associated with digital technologies.
As part of our ongoing work, we plan to produce a white paper summarising the actionable steps discussed in both workshops. This document will serve as a guide for universities and other stakeholders as we advance digital ethics across Scotland.
Join Us
We invite all interested parties to engage with us as we continue this journey. Whether you attended the first workshop or are new to the conversation, your insights are invaluable in shaping a fairer digital future.
We invite you to express your interest in participating in our upcoming workshop, “Co-Designing with Communities for an Ethical Digital Nation,” on the 13th of December and help shape a fairer digital future.
https://standrews.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dnUwopXACRBZ5BA
Thank you once again to everyone who contributed to the success of our first workshop. We look forward to collaborating with you in December and beyond!
A special thank you to our Engagement Facilitator, Truman Venters, who, along with us, has played a key role in bringing this event together.
For more about our projects, please explore our website or find us on Wikipedia, for further information or ideas for collaboration, please reach out at ideanetwork @ st-andrews.ac.uk