Technology and society

The Technology and Society group specializes in research that explores the effects of digitalization and technology on society. This group comprises 13 researchers from diverse backgrounds including computer science, the natural sciences, the social sciences, and the humanities who regularly collaborate with each other on interdisciplinary projects.

Our current research topics include: big data and emerging technologies in contexts of business sector innovation and the green transition, studies of digitalization of public services and in regional development, and gender and diversity in digital working life and digital culture.

The Technology and Society group works on projects at the local, national, and international level. Our researchers work closely with stakeholders from both the public and private sector in Norway and have established a strong network of collaborators around the world. 

 

Publikasjonar

Projects

Articles

  • Arendal 2024

    Researchers from Vestlandsforsking will be represented at Arendalsuka, the largest political gathering in Norway. This year, we present a wide range of events highliting important issues and dilemmas related to nature, inclusion in the twin green and digital shift, climate risk, and local social development. We invite partners, decision-makers, and all interested parties to meet us for talks and discussions in Arendal.

  • Forskarar Just Transform

    This week, researchers from the Just Transform research project met in Sogndal to discuss recent findings on the interaction between the green and digital shift in the industrial sector. Ten researchers from Western Norway Reserach Institute, Norce, Cambridge University and University of St.Gallen participated in the meeting.

  • teknologi

    Are you curious about how artificial intelligence affects our society, or whether social media can be a resource for public services? Do you find it exciting to explore how digitization impacts school, work, and leisure? These are some of the questions for research within the Technology and Society group
    at the research institute.

  • Formelt kledde kvinner står framme i klasserom. Menn sit og klappar. Lerret i bakgrunnen.

    The Research Council of Norway recently announced that Western Norway Research Institute and its partners will receive more than NOK 19 million to conduct research into artificial intelligence, big data, and social media. The project seeks put an end to online hate speech and radicalisation through developing new methods based on big data.

  • Mann framfor uteplass ved høgskulebygg

    With an international career in research, 16 scientific book titles and a large network stretching across the globe, Rajendra Akerkar is one of Sogndal's academic stars. The Big Data Professor is currently working to recruit young researchers to his field of research, as two positions are open this summer in the field of big data and innovation in regional businesses.

  • To jenter som ser ut som studentar, ser på ein teknisk modell med ryggen til kamera.

    Researchers at Western Norway Research Institute have conducted an evaluation of "Girls and Technology", a programme intended to inspire more girls to choose an education within technology and science. The report was commissioned by The Norwegian Directorate for Children, Youth and Family Affairs (Bufdir).