Our research focuses on how institutions and organisations are reshaped to function in a digital age, with particular emphasis on how democratic and public values are maintained and developed. We therefore examine how democracy, public administration, and governance operate in an increasingly digitalised society.
The aim is to describe societal transformations and critically assess how technology enables, challenges, and alters the public sphere in digital contexts. We place special emphasis on how norms and values relating to democracy and inclusion are formed in digital environments.
Digital inclusion as a prerequisite for democracy and administration in a digital age
We analyse how values such as inclusion and diversity can guide the digitalisation of public services. One strand of our research seeks to develop knowledge that supports those assisting individuals who struggle to use public digital services. Public libraries play a crucial role in this context. We also apply a range of methods to study digital exclusion and barriers to participation, particularly among socio-economically vulnerable groups. Special attention is given to the development of digital competence and literacy.
Values, norms, and societal institutions
This area explores how societal institutions are shaped in a digital age. The introduction of digital technologies into administrative processes creates new challenges and opportunities, including new forms of collaboration, data sharing, and privacy concerns. A key objective is to question taken-for-granted institutional structures by contributing knowledge on how effective and democratically legitimate institutions can be designed.
Algorithmic governance and AI in the public sector
We study how AI and algorithmic systems transform societal relationships, particularly between citizens and public authorities. AI is currently used in areas ranging from decision support and risk assessment to generative AI in case handling and communication. We critically examine issues of accountability, transparency, bias and equal treatment, data protection, and data sharing when governance and public services are mediated through code and models. Particular focus is placed on the role of human judgement and professional expertise in fostering responsible action and trust.
Societal resilience in a digital age
Digitalisation is often viewed as borderless, enabling the rapid movement of information, money, goods, and services. While this creates new opportunities, it also increases risks and vulnerabilities and complicates regulation and control. We analyse how digital payments have transformed financial systems and how digital public services function in times of crisis, such as in Ukraine following the full-scale invasion. We have also examined the expanded use of digital services during the pandemic.
Studying change
Our research adopts a broad methodological approach, combining qualitative case studies, interviews, and document analysis with quantitative methods. To ensure relevance and applicability, our work is guided by dialogue with affected stakeholders, often using actor-centred and collaborative research designs. Analytically, we frequently connect institutional analysis with empirical studies of how digital services are used in everyday life.
