Impacts of technology for sustainability

The impacts of the introduction of new technologies aimed at promoting sustainability unfold at various stages – initially through future scenarios and visions they inspire, during their implementation, and also when technologies are phased out. These goal conflicts may complicate efforts towards achieving robust sustainability progress. For example, introduction of renewable energy technologies might exacerbate societal polarization, as seen in movements like the "Yellow Vests" protests in France in 2018, or the introduction of artificial intelligence might pose challenges to social cohesion and sustainability.

By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and integrating diverse research efforts across Uppsala University and partner institutions, this theme seeks to enhance understanding, generate actionable insights, and inform policy and practice. Key activities include expanding ongoing projects with a focus on sustainability conflicts, initiating new research collaborations, and publishing findings to support informed decision-making.

Internet of Things (IoT) Implementation as a Flagship Project

The Internet of Things (IoT) Implementation research project was selected as an initial case to generate insights into how the theme can integrate and strengthen ongoing research and programs at Uppsala University. IoT Implementation is a collaborative project that focuses on using new technologies to enhance social sustainability in municipal care and regional healthcare. It aims to address goal conflicts arising from social and environmental inequalities and data privacy and utility.