Conference: Governing Sustainability in the Age of AI and Digital Innovation – 23 October
A conference organised by the Digital Pathways to Sustainability community
How can AI and digital innovation help shape more sustainable futures, and what governance challenges do they create along the way? Join us on 23 October for the conference Governing Sustainability in the Age of AI and Digital Innovation, where scholars, policymakers, practitioners, and societal stakeholders come together to explore the opportunities, dilemmas, and emerging governance models at the intersection of digital transformation and sustainability transitions.
Theme
Artificial intelligence (AI), data, and digital innovations are increasingly influencing how cities are governed and how sustainability transitions are pursued. From smart infrastructures and digital twins to AI-assisted planning and data-driven governance, digital technologies are becoming embedded in decision-making processes, institutional arrangements, and interactions among governments, firms, civil society actors, and citizens. Yet, critical questions remain regarding how digitalization can contribute to sustainable and green futures, and what new forms of governance are emerging in response to these transformations, and under what institutional, political, and societal conditions these transformations unfold.
This conference explores emerging governance challenges and opportunities at the intersection of AI, digital innovation, and sustainability transitions. Bringing together theoretical debates and practical experiences in experimentation, implementation, policy making, and planning practices, the conference examines how public, private, and civic actors negotiate, collaborate, and sometimes conflict in shaping sustainable and green transitions, as well as the evolving role of AI and digital technologies in these processes. Particular attention is paid to changing power dynamics, public values, contextually specific governance challenges, opportunities, and innovative solutions. By bringing together scholars and societal stakeholders across disciplines and sectors, the conference aims to foster dialogue and contribute to a forward-looking research agenda on governing digital pathways to sustainable futures.
Programme
| 13.00-13.10 | Welcome & introduction |
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| 13.10-14.10 | Keynote Lecture From Smart Cities to Intelligent Governance: Ten Years of Research Shaping International Policy for Sustainable Urban Futures by Professor Luca Mora, Edinburgh Napier University |
| 14.10-14.30 | Break |
| 14.30-15.30 | Panel discussion: Public-private Collaboration in Digital Sustainable Cities Smart cities and AI-driven urban projects have become key sites for experimentation in public-private innovation ecosystems. The role of private sector is seen as crucial in shaping data-driven and digital sustainable urban futures. Yet, there are also emerging concerns like the ‘privatization’ of the city and erosion of public values, sphere transgression, and the shifting power relations between state, market players, and societal actors. In this panel we will discuss how these issues play out in projects and collaborations focused either on sustainability through digitalization or on sustainable digitalization. Featuring:
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| 15:30-15:45 | Break |
| 15.45-16.45 | Research Pitches on AI, Digital Innovation, and Sustainability This session brings together interdisciplinary perspectives on AI, digital innovation, and sustainability transitions across Utrecht University. The session combines short research pitches with discussion and reflection on ongoing research, emerging research agendas, and future collaboration. Featuring:
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| 16.45-17.00 | Final reflections |
| 17.00-18.00 | Drinks |
We warmly invite scholars, practitioners, policy makers, and societal stakeholders to join the conference.
The conference aligns with the ambitions of the Digital Pathways to Sustainability community at Utrecht University by integrating scientific insights with societal experiences and addressing emerging practices in policy making, planning, and urban governance and is organised by board members Yanliu Lin and Iryna Susha.
- Start date and time
- End date and time
- Location
- Venue: Boothzaal, Utrecht University Library Science Park