TATuP – Zeitschrift für Technikfolgenabschätzung in Theorie und Praxis
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Modeling for policy and technology assessment: Challenges from computerbased simulations and artificial intelligence
Get PDFModeling for policy has become an integral part of policy making and technology assessment. This became particularly evident to the general public when, during the COVID-19 pandemic, forecasts of infection dynamics based on computer simulations were used to evaluate and justify policy containment measures. Computer models are also playing an increasing role in technology assessment (TA). Computer simulations are used to explore possible futures related to specific technologies, for example, in the area of energy systems analysis. Artificial intelligence (AI) models are also becoming increasingly important. The results is a mix of methods where computer simulations and machine learning converge, posing particular challenges and opening up new research questions. This Special topic brings together case studies from different fields to explore the current state of computational models in general and AI methods in particular for policy and TA.Modeling for policy has become an integral part of policy making and technology assessment. This became particularly evident to the general public when, during the COVID-19 pandemic, forecasts of infection dynamics based on computer simulations were used to evaluate and justify policy containment measures. Computer models are also playing an increasing role in technology assessment (TA). Computer simulations are used to explore possible futures related to specific technologies, for example, in the area of energy systems analysis. Artificial intelligence (AI) models are also becoming increasingly important. The results is a mix of methods where computer simulations and machine learning converge, posing particular challenges and opening up new research questions. This Special topic brings together case studies from different fields to explore the current state of computational models in general and AI methods in particular for policy and TA
Implementation of artificial intelligence at the workplace, considering the work ability of employees
Get PDFThe use of artificial intelligence (AI) as an innovation driver is increasingly gaining importance among small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises. In order to enable a successful AI implementation, both the business requirements and the needs of human resources must be considered. One construct that brings these dimensions together is the concept of work ability. So far, there is little scientific evidence addressing work ability in the context of AI implementation. Therefore, this article aims to create a multidimensional framework using the results of a qualitative study on employee-friendly implementation of AI-based systems. The framework combines central aspects (implementation stage, AI-autonomy level, and work ability) and helps to identify suitable recommendations for companies to increase acceptance and trust in the implementation process. Based on the developed framework, a first version of a socio-technical AI support tool has been created.The use of artificial intelligence (AI) as an innovation driver is increasingly gaining importance among small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises. In order to enable a successful AI implementation, both the business requirements and the needs of human resources must be considered. One construct that brings these dimensions together is the concept of work ability. So far, there is little scientific evidence addressing work ability in the context of AI implementation. Therefore, this article aims to create a multidimensional framework using the results of a qualitative study on employee-friendly implementation of AI-based systems. The framework combines central aspects (implementation stage, AI-autonomy level, and work ability) and helps to identify suitable recommendations for companies to increase acceptance and trust in the implementation process. Based on the developed framework, a first version of a socio-technical AI support tool has been created
Technology hype: Dealing with bold expectations and overpromising
Get PDFTo date, the study of hype has become a productive but also eclectic field of research. This introduction provides an overview of the core characteristics of technology hype and distinguishes it from other future-oriented concepts. Further, the authors present promising approaches from various disciplines for studying, critiquing, and dealing with hype. The special issue assembles case studies, methodological and theoretical contributions that analyze tech hypes’ temporality, agency, and institutional dynamics. It provides insights into how hypes are triggered and fostered, but also how they can be deconstructed and anticipated.To date, the study of hype has become a productive but also eclectic field of research. This introduction provides an overview of the core characteristics of technology hype and distinguishes it from other future-oriented concepts. Further, the authors present promising approaches from various disciplines for studying, critiquing, and dealing with hype. The special issue assembles case studies, methodological and theoretical contributions that analyze tech hypes’ temporality, agency, and institutional dynamics. It provides insights into how hypes are triggered and fostered, but also how they can be deconstructed and anticipated
Overpromising in science and technology: An evaluative conceptualization
Get PDFThis research article examines overpromising in scientific discourse that may raise unrealistic expectations in order to gain trust and funding. Drawing on signaling theory, philosophy of promising, and science communication research, a conceptualization of overpromising is presented. This conceptualization facilitates the evaluation of promises in science and technology and highlights the importance of the knowledge context. Further research is needed to explore the broader dimensions and motivations for overpromising.This research article examines overpromising in scientific discourse that may raise unrealistic expectations in order to gain trust and funding. Drawing on signaling theory, philosophy of promising, and science communication research, a conceptualization of overpromising is presented. This conceptualization facilitates the evaluation of promises in science and technology and highlights the importance of the knowledge context. Further research is needed to explore the broader dimensions and motivations for overpromising
Chatbots as a pedagogical challenge for schools and teaching
Get PDFChatbots and artificial intelligence (AI) do not stop at schools. Integrating them beneficially into pedagogical settings is still an unfamiliar situation for schools and teachers. This article relates the fundamental pedagogical aspects of schools to digitalization and shows how the challenge of AI can be reconciled with the pedagogical approach to educational processes.Chatbots and artificial intelligence (AI) do not stop at schools. Integrating them beneficially into pedagogical settings is still an unfamiliar situation for schools and teachers. This article relates the fundamental pedagogical aspects of schools to digitalization and shows how the challenge of AI can be reconciled with the pedagogical approach to educational processes
Are social experiments being hyped (too much)?
Get PDFSocial experiments, also known as randomized controlled trials, are the subject of contentious discussions, giving rise to buzzwords such as ‘credibility revolution,’ ‘experimenting society,’ ‘global lab,’ or ‘empire of truth.’ While using exaggeration to illustrate opportunities and risks may well be justified, this research article analyzes to what extent the present debate is characterized by excessive hype. It finds that the transformative potential of social experiments is greatly overestimated, a judgment that applies to the reasoning of both proponents and critics.Social experiments, also known as randomized controlled trials, are the subject of contentious discussions, giving rise to buzzwords such as ‘credibility revolution,’ ‘experimenting society,’ ‘global lab,’ or ‘empire of truth.’ While using exaggeration to illustrate opportunities and risks may well be justified, this research article analyzes to what extent the present debate is characterized by excessive hype. It finds that the transformative potential of social experiments is greatly overestimated, a judgment that applies to the reasoning of both proponents and critics
Technology hype, promises, and expectations: The discussion on small modular reactors in the Finnish newspaper ‘Helsingin Sanomat’ in 2000–2022
Get PDFWhile the construction of collective promises is vital to the success of any techno-scientific innovation, it also entails the risk of overpromising and cycles of hype and disappointment. This article explores the discursive construction of the nuclear sector’s latest promise concerning small modular reactors (SMRs), using Finland as an example. It provides a brief overview of the Finnish context of SMR development and analyzes it\u27s coverage in the leading Finnish daily newspaper Helsingin Sanomat 2000–2022. Efforts at promise construction have so far been aimed at building legitimacy for SMRs, while strengthening credibility – another key element of successful promise construction – has only just begun. The increasing number of SMR-related articles indicates a growing hype, but the absence of a corresponding ‘hype language’ suggests that the considerable media attention does not automatically translate into emphatic media coverage and discursive hyping.While the construction of collective promises is vital to the success of any techno-scientific innovation, it also entails the risk of overpromising and cycles of hype and disappointment. This article explores the discursive construction of the nuclear sector’s latest promise concerning small modular reactors (SMRs), using Finland as an example. It provides a brief overview of the Finnish context of SMR development and analyzes it\u27s coverage in the leading Finnish daily newspaper Helsingin Sanomat 2000–2022. Efforts at promise construction have so far been aimed at building legitimacy for SMRs, while strengthening credibility – another key element of successful promise construction – has only just begun. The increasing number of SMR-related articles indicates a growing hype, but the absence of a corresponding ‘hype language’ suggests that the considerable media attention does not automatically translate into emphatic media coverage and discursive hyping
