College of Social Sciences

The Digital Society and Economic interdisciplinary research theme has been running for over a year, working to encourage and support interdisciplinary research across the College of Social Sciences. It’s been a difficult time for so many people, and we are so grateful to all colleagues who have engaged with us during this period. As we move towards (hopefully) brighter times ahead, we wanted to share some of the theme’s activities colleagues have been involved in to date. We look forward to hearing from you in terms of helping shape our future work – please do get in touch with suggestions for events, funding collaborations, and research you want to share.

In part 1 of this review, we look at some highlights from research and knowledge exchange. In part 2, we will look at the theme’s work around skills development and our series of digital methodologies workshops which supported researchers to pivot to online methods during Covid.

Pilot projects and new partnerships:

One of the goals of the interdisciplinary research themes is to do some of the groundwork on developing new partnerships, which can then benefit a broader range of researchers across the College of Social Science in terms of future research collaborations, knowledge exchange, or community engagement. Below is a selection of pilot projects we’ve worked on over the past year with this in mind:

Connected Homes: Prof Bridgette Wessels (Social & Political Science), Prof Sandy Whitelaw (Interdisciplinary Studies) and Dr Ryan Casey are working on a pilot study for Connected Homes with the Crichton Trust on the outskirts of Dumfries. The study is looking at how families in a rural setting interact with technology at home, and how people manage their wellbeing, home and family life with smart technologies. Find out more.

Robot Reading Companions: “Would you like to read to a robot?” Dr Lavinia Hirsu and Joe Costello from the School of Education are working with KE associate Bishakha Chaudhury and a local primary school to explore how the University’s Cozmo robots can support pupils’ confidence in their reading skills. The work will also explore how new literacy and STEM activities can be integrated into the curriculum once we bring in robot companions into learning interactions among pupils.

Social Science and FinTech: the University of Glasgow is delighted to be part of ASPECT: a network of universities and industry partners supporting socially responsible innovation and entrepreneurship in arts, humanities and social science research. The Digital Society and Economy theme enabled Glasgow researchers to access funding exploring how social sciences can influence the development of FinTech – we look forward to sharing the results of this project and to highlighting any opportunities for COSS researchers in this area.

Sharing knowledge and connecting colleagues

A key part of the theme’s remit is to help researchers share their work or make new connections, to encourage interdisciplinary working or simply get a new perspective on your research.

The SHAPE of DATA - Innovating with Data in Scotland: In October 2021 we hosted the SHAPE of Data event, in partnership with Policy Scotland and Edinburgh Futures Institute. The event explored how we can use data to support multidisciplinary approaches to social equality, wellbeing, and participation. As part of this event, we showcased a film by Dr Mark Wong (Social & Political Science) on what data means to you. Find out more.

FinTech Forum: Technology is playing an increasingly important role in the design and delivery financial services. Dr Dominic Chalmers (Adam Smith Business School) worked with colleagues in Adam Smith Business School to organise a monthly series of events bringing together staff, students, businesses and alumni to ensure social science researchers can contribute to these discussions and develop new collaborations.

A manifesto for inclusive digital futures: In May 2021 we organised a two-day Lord Kelvin Adam Smith symposium on the implications of and responses to the fourth industrial revolution. The programme featured international speakers from Universities of Botswana, Johannesburg, Rotterdam and Singapore, as well as UK collaborators, AI companies, and Prof Madeleine Murtaugh (Social & Political Science). Find out more.

Influencing policy

Policy engagement will be an increasing focus of our work over the coming year, especially around regulation of new technologies. Since 2020, members of the IRT leadership team have been invited to contribute to various national and organisational strategies, including:

• Scotland Artificial Intelligence Strategy (skills and knowledge workstream)
• Fintech Scotland Research and Innovation strategy
• UK Government Innovation Strategy (Innovation addressing Citizens needs stream)
• British Film Institute’s ten year strategy

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If you are doing or interested in research that speaks to how people use data, new technologies, or digital services (in any sector), then please get in touch! From lived experience and digital exclusion, to regulatory frameworks and the role of digitisation in meeting sustainability targets - we are here to support you in making new connections, getting the right funding, and amplifying your work.

You can contact one of the theme leads or email us on: digital-irts@glasgow.ac.uk

First published: 11 February 2022