REIMAGINE ADM is a project and research consortium funded by the program CHANSE on Digital Transformations. It studies how public values intertwine with algorithmic systems and futures. The novelty of the project lies in mobilising anthropological and sociological perspectives to examine how values are deployed in situated practices rather than in the abstract. We develop methods and comprehensive frameworks for exploring values in socio-technical systems, and study cases ranging from insurance, healthcare and energy to border control and activism. By focusing on people who build, promote and evaluate algorithmic systems, we examine alignments and tensions that reveal how values, including efficiency, autonomy, solidarity and openness, are prioritised, negotiated and contested.

The research process is arranged into three collaboratories – cases, methods and alternatives. With the term collaboratory, a neologism combining laboratory and collaboration, we emphasise the experimental and participatory nature of our work, which includes ongoing dialogue with stakeholders.

The research cuts across three themes:

  1. we bridge and compare values in empirical cases;
  2. challenge and operationalise them in action;
  3. rethink and reimagine algorithmic futures.

By combining empirically informed and imaginative ways of addressing values, our work promotes societally sensitive understandings of algorithmic systems and futures.

The project brings together established research groups from the University of Helsinki, University of Southern Denmark, University of Ljubljana, Linköping University and KU Leuven.

CONSORTIUM:

  • Project LeaderMinna Ruckenstein, University of Helsinki, Consumer Society Research Centre, Finland
  • Dorthe Kristensen, University of Southern Denmark, Marketing and management, Denmark
  • Rajko Mursic, University of Ljubljana, Department of Ethnology and Cultural Anthropology, Faculty of Arts, Slovenia
  • Ine Van Hoyweghen, KU Leuven, Centre for Sociological Research, Belgium
  • Julia Velkova, Linköping University, Department of Thematic Studies – Technology and Social Change, Sweden

 

COOPERATION PARTNERS:

  • Joonas Aitonurmi, Digital and population data services agency
  • Hans Nylén,  STUNS Energy
  • Carl Brandt,  Liva Health
  •  Maja Cimerman, Danes je nov dan
  • Ole Graumann, Odense University Hospital
  • Minna Mustakallio, Un/Know
  • Riitta Nieminen-Sundell,  Lunden Architecture Company
  • Bulent Ozel, Lucid Minds
  • Alex Parsons, My Society
  • Valentina Rajaković, Radio Študent
  • Antti Rannisto, Solita
  • Heli Rantavuo, Spotify
  • Viivi Lähteenoja, My Data Global
  • Matthias Spielkamp, AlgorithmWatch