From robots to chatbots, emerging technology can make public administrations more efficient and responsive. It is critical, however, that these innovations are adopted in ethical and trustworthy ways. To address this, the EU-funded ETAPAS project developed a framework to help the public sector handle the ethical, social and legal challenges of emerging technologies.
Art in the age of digital reproduction is under threat from inadequate contracts, piracy, generative AI and limits on access. In the EU-funded reCreating Europe project, researchers, libraries, copyright experts and other stakeholders sought ways to secure culturally diverse production of art, as well as inclusive access for consumers. The results can help Europe maintain its position as a cultural and economic powerhouse in the creative industries.
Many fear that automation could lead to severe unemployment and that our education systems are not fit for purpose. To address these concerns, the EU-funded TECHNEQUALITY project is examining the potential social consequences of our digital age. The findings could help governments to devise policies that maximise economic growth to benefit citizens, whilst mitigating potential social harm.
People born with sex characteristics that fail to fit into the typical definitions of male or female often face a lifetime of marginalisation, discrimination and social exclusion. They are also often subjected to potentially harmful surgical procedures. But new EU-funded research aims to change this by providing policymakers with fact-based information about the intersex experience.
The EU-funded E-SIDES project gathered together many different industry players who use big data as well as data researchers. It developed a set of guidelines on how to use this data without overstepping ethical boundaries.
The use of algorithms in digital media to personalise content has important implications for the democratic role of the media. EU-funded research is helping to ensure that these powerful new tools are harnessed for the benefit of society as a whole.
EU-funded research has helped improve citizens' confidence in big data by creating a decentralised platform that gives people greater control over their personal data and enables them to take part in decision-making.
Robot makers tend to assume that their creations will make people's lives easier. Prospective users may not share their enthusiasm, or indeed their perception of the needs. Talk to each other, say EU-funded researchers. Otherwise, the uptake of this fantastic technology will suffer, and potential benefits to society may be lost.
An EU-funded project is promoting responsible research and innovation in bioscience, using action plans, a sustainable model and guidelines that aim to make research more relevant, inclusive and effective for citizens and businesses.
The fashion industry has been linked to pollution, waste, and modern slavery. In light of this, an EU-funded project led a series of successful experiments designed to spark radical, sustainable change while, at the same time, uniting Europe's textile and clothing businesses.
