Futures and Dialogue

Technology Pathways and Meaningful Innovation

Listening to public voice about how technology can be developed for a better future

Overview

This programme aims to stimulate and contribute to debates and actions that will help to better align the role of technologies, the groups that shape them and the people that use them.

It will enable meaningful iterative dialogue between a range of stakeholders about emerging technologies and their potential social impacts, generating insights for those who create the pathways for technology change.

It also aims to promote greater inclusivity in the creation of those pathways, with the aim of enabling better socio-technical innovation, and better outcomes: meaningful and practical steps towards a just transition to net zero, an inclusive economy and sustainable society.

Three initial scoping and foresight pilots were commissioned in 2023 to explore the gaps and trends in existing public dialogue around the transition to Net Zero; future technology trends and opportunities; and future societal needs, impacts and relationships. These pilots are helping to inform the Academy’s plans for emerging engagement and dialogue activities.

People's AI stewardship summits

New summit: Glasgow, October 2024

The Academy's 2^nd People's AI Stewardship Summit was held in Glasgow on the 9th October 2024 in partnership with the Enterprise Hub Scotland. Members of the public from the local area in and around Glasgow were invited to share their hopes and fears alongside experts and local stakeholders: exploring and reflecting on the future of AI in Scotland.

The summit was in partnership with the Academy's Enterprise Hub in order to bring together members of the public with entrepreneurs, policymakers and other AI stakeholders. 

Learn more about the summits