SHIELD programme hosts four interdisciplinary research consortiums.
Valuable breakages: repair and renewal of algorithmic systems (REPAIR)
REPAIR focuses on algorithmic systems in, for example, healthcare, energy and child protection. Successful algorithmic systems combine the strengths of machines and people, make operations more efficient and improve the quality of services. Often, however, systems are developed separately from the wider operating environment and everyday practices, which causes breakages. REPAIR investigates these breakages, risks and vulnerabilities and looks for ways to repair and renew systems.
The democratic epistemic capacities in the age of algorithms (DECA)
DECA explores the systems, practices and issues related to the use of information at the various levels of society (individuals, institutions, and digital infrastructures), such as how the polarisation of communication limits individuals’ epistemic capacities and trust in society. The concept of epistemic capacities refers to the rights of citizens to receive reliable information, be heard, and participate in the production of information and knowledge relevant to society. At the societal level, the concept refers to the ability to make sustainable and informed political decisions.
Designing Inclusive & Trustworthy Digital Public Services for Migrants in Finland (Trust-M)
Trust-M project aims to create trustworthy digital public services for improved integration of migrants in Finland, hence strengthening Finnish society through increased inclusion, resilience of the labour market, and economic vibrance. This necessitates understanding of how the notions of trust, inclusion and equality are incorporated in present-day public sector digital services, especially those increasingly leveraging AI. The project aims to develop new solutions such as a pilot version of a hybrid public sector service based on conversational interaction and chatbots
Generation AI builds a foundation on which the technology education of the “AI generation” can be built: technology education that takes into account the operating principles of artificial intelligence, the opportunities it offers and the dynamic effects – without forgetting its shortcomings and risks or how artificial intelligence systems can increase confrontation, discrimination, insecurity and erode trust. The project develops early interventions that can facilitate children’s resilience in the face of technological forces, and equip teachers with the necessary insights and pedagogies foe curricular transformation.
