4.2.1 Exploring the the Involvement of Population in the Digital Environment, the Effects of the "New Connectivity", and Inequality Factors

Research Area 4. Humans in the Era of Technological Transformations  → Research Program 4.2 Human Being in the Digital World

Project period

2020-2022

Context of Research Project within a Subject of Human Capital

The epidemiological crisis of 2020 has shown an urgent need to study the boundaries and horizons of human potential in the context of technological and social challenges, associated with the digitalization of economy. If earlier digital technologies were considered used to expand human capabilities and complement physical reality, then in the current situation they have become not just a necessary element of infrastructure, but an alternative reality in which a significant part of everyday life takes place. Along with the advantages of this process and the new opportunities it gives to individuals, the digitalization of society increases ‘digital inequality’ and causes the enclavisation of certain segments of the labor market and the socio-economic system. It was demonstrated by the instantaneous transition to the virtual environment of most business and everyday practices.

The research project Exploring the Involvement of the Population in the Digital Environment, the Effects of the ‘New Connectivity’, and Inequality Factors focuses on understanding the new technological order and the role of individual in the modern digitalized reality. It is aimed toelaborate new approaches to the development and implementation of public policy, including those aimed at achieving national goals related to the support of human potential.

Project Aim

Developing theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of digital culture, analyzing factors of digital inequality, and their impact on the realization of new opportunities associated with the development and dissemination of digital technologies

Project Objectives:

1. Studying the participation of society in digital transformation and the factors of ‘digital inequality’
2. Conceptualizing approaches to the study of ‘digital culture’ and the impact of digital technologies on the level of well-being and quality of life
3. Developing model-theoretic approaches to social research of ‘data culture’ and analyzing the level and factors of ‘digital literacy’ in society

Key Findings

2020

Theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of society's involvement in digital transformation and the factors of ‘digital inequality’ have been developed, key factors contributing to and hindering the realization of new opportunities associated with digital technologies have been identified, and the  principles for identifying ‘digitally excluded’ groups, as well as groups of ‘locomotives’ of digital transformation have been generated

2021

The concept of ‘digital culture’" has been operationalized, a list of indicators characterizing digital culture has been developed (based on the analysis of scientific literature and empirical research experience), a model of the Digital Well-Being Conditions Index (DCI) has been developed using indicators that are considered as ‘conduits’ of the potential impact of digitalization on human well-being factors

2022

A model-theoretic approach to assess digital literacy and analyze its determining factors has been developed, which includes all relevant approaches presented in the world scientific discourse.

Educational Programs

Educational Modules at the English-language Master's Program Science, Technology and Innovation Management and Policy (Governance of Science, Technology and Innovation)

Publications

1. Fursov K. Linton J. Social Innovation: integrating product and user innovation // Technological Forecasting and Social Change
2. Katchanov Y. L., Markova Y. V. (2022) Dynamics of senses of new physics discourse: Co-keywords analysis //Journal of Informetrics. – 2022. – Т. 16. – №. 1. – С. 101-245. doi

Conferences

International Online Conference The Fifteenth International Conference on Digital Society within the Digital World 2021 (Nice, France, 18-22 July 2021):
Poliakova V. Public Acceptance of Robots: Drivers and Barriers

XI International Scientific Conference Foresight and Scientific, Technical and Innovation Policy (Moscow, Russia, October 15-26, 2021):
- Specialized session Digitalization of Society: New Technologies as a Driver of Social Change (RU) (10/15/2021)

XXIII Yasin (April) International Scientific Conference on Economic and Social Development (Moscow, Russia, April 5-22, 2022):
- Session Db-8-5. Social aspects of Digital Economy Development (08/04/2022):
Polyakova V. Digital Culture and Social Fears