Design for Digital Autonomy​​​

Recent geopolitical developments show that the Netherlands is vulnerable when it comes to its dependence on digital infrastructure and services from other countries and large technology companies. This is also reflected in TU Delft's position paper on Open Strategic Autonomy. It has led to an increasing call for digital autonomy, in politics, in advisory reports and in scientific research. But what exactly do we mean by digital autonomy? And what can organizations, such as municipalities, universities and companies, do to advance digital autonomy?

The event focuses on the question of how we can foster digital autonomy and what choices this entails. What is needed to foster and operationalize digital autonomy? Which policies effectively contributes to this? What knowledge is needed?

Digital autonomy is a broad theme for organizations and to act effectively, cooperation, effective policy and clear (design) guidelines are crucial. During this event, we strive for cross-pollination between policy, practice and science, and between different domains (municipalities, implementing organisations, universities). We investigate where the shared challenges (cross-sectoral) and obstacles lie, what central values play a role in the design of digital technology in combination with digital autonomy, where value tensions occur and how we can put digital autonomy into practice.

For policymakers, civil society and companies..

The event offers a unique opportunity to learn about recent scientific insights and to meet researchers in the field of digital autonomy. How can we understand digital autonomy as a value and what other values are at stake? What choices are needed and where do we want to be in 15 years? How can there be better cooperation with knowledge institutions but also with other sectors?

For researchers..

The event present the opportunity to learn from other disciplines and perspectives to meet new people and stakeholders.

What can you expect?

We will start with a joint introduction with various speakers about the importance of value-conscious design and value-driven policy. After that, there will be pitches and sessions specifically focussing on digital autonomy:

• Short pitches by researchers about recent research and insights in the field of digital autonomy. Scientists from TU Delft, Radboud University and Utrecht University, among others, will discuss what we mean by digital autonomy, what policy challenges it entails, how it translates into technical requirements and -choices and how we can assess digital autonomy in software systems.

• Short pitches from practice. Initiatives in the Netherlands and Denmark will be presented, as well as challenges that municipalities and universities face in advancing digital autonomy. Attention is also paid to national policy in this area.

• A panel with people from science and practice will address questions such as: what do we mean by digital autonomy? How can digital autonomy conflict with other public and ethical values? Where do we want to be in 15 years and what kind of choices does that require now? How can we coordinate collaboration between sectors in the field of digital autonomy?

• Roundtable discussions for cross-pollination between science and practice to advance digital autonomy.

Speakers

When: Tuesday 9 June 13.00-17.00 (welcome for lunch from 12 noon)

Where: TU Delft Campus The Hague, Spui 5 (fourth floor), 2511 BL The Hague

Organised by: Delft Design for Values Institute in collaboration with TU Delft Campus The Hague

Language: The spoken language is Dutch, but some speakers will present in English.

About the Design for Values Institute

The Delft Design for Values Institute is one of the institutes of TU Delft and a partnership between various faculties. It focuses on developing and propagating design approaches where social values such as sustainability, safety, autonomy and justice are central. More information can be found at https://delftdesignforvalues.nl/.