Abstract
The core of the digital transition is the representation of all kinds of real-world entities and processes and an increasing number of cognitive processes by digital information and algorithms on computers. These allow for seemingly unlimited storage, operation, retrieval, and transmission capacities that make digital tools economically available for all domains of society and empower human action, particularly combined with real-world interfaces such as displays, robots, sensors, 3D printers, etc. Digital technologies are general-purpose technologies providing unprecedented potential benefits for sustainability. However, they will bring about a multitude of potential unintended side effects, and this demands a transdisciplinary discussion on unwanted societal changes as well as a shift in science from analog to digital modeling and structure. Although social discourse has begun, the topical scope and regional coverage have been limited. Here, we report on an expert roundtable on digital transition held in February 2017 in Tokyo, Japan. Drawing on a variety of disciplinary backgrounds, our discussions highlight the importance of cultural contexts and the need to bridge local and global conversations. Although Japanese experts did mention side effects, their focus was on how to ensure that AI and robots could coexist with humans. Such a perspective is not well appreciated everywhere outside Japan. Stakeholder dialogues have already begun in Japan, but greater efforts are needed to engage a broader collection of experts in addition to stakeholders to broaden the social debate.
Highlights
Introduction and Motivations for the RoundtableDigital transition is all the rage, and the trend is accelerating
If we look at fundamental innovation in regard to socioeconomic structures, the cultural and media imperialism of globalized radio and TV starting in the 1960s from continental and language clusters was later supplemented by global social media [37]
The Japanese–Asian culture seems to be more open to the robotic vision in which certain services that have been traditionally provided by humans are replaced my AI-driven machines
Summary
Digital transition is all the rage, and the trend is accelerating. Even in the last few years, we have seen significant developments. A voluntary group of scientists from various disciplines who discuss the institutional and ethical issues related to the AI age These initiatives are laudable, but they suffer from two limitations: (1) the issues discussed have been relatively narrow, excluding potentially important areas; and (2) attempts far have been led by experts, mostly in Western societies, despite the aforementioned Japanese initiatives. Voices from non-Western societies and developing economies are notably absent, for example, in the previously mentioned debate on AI-induced unemployment In both sustainability science and science and technology studies, there has recently been a strong emphasis on engagement with the lay public and stakeholders. 3. What partnerships of industry, business, government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), or the public at large would be interested in co-designing transdisciplinary processes in which science and practice work together to learn about the sustainable use of digital technologies?.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
