Sustainability, societal and human aspects

Digital technologies and digitalisation-related change can affect society at large as well as individuals. This area studies how digitalisation and digital transformation can create synergies between industry, individuals, employees and society at large. Particular focus is on the expansion towards Industry 5.0, where sustainable digital transformation and an interaction between people, the environment and society is central. Companies are part of a societal context and affect people and society outside the company, as well as the employee inside the company.

Central to this is highlighting the benefits, challenges and opportunities for companies to engage with local communities, but also the benefits that local communities can gain from interacting with companies. This increases the competitiveness and attractiveness of industry and can help to accelerate investment in research and innovation.

In the area of competence, we address issues related to Agenda 2030:

  • Societal challenges, gender aspects, sustainability issues, diversity issues, possible cultural values that are central to businesses/places
  • Circular production that best supports technological development that uses natural resources in a satisfactory way
  • Analysis of opportunities and challenges related to business-community interaction
  • Exchange of experience, models and tools for collaborative and people/place-based digital development and innovation

Technical experts

Smart and sustainable location-based development for industry, Societal aspects of digitalisation within industry

Lotta Braunerhielm, Senior lecturer, Karlstad University

Usability of Digital Technology, Societal aspects of digitalisation within industry

Laila Gibson, Adjunct teacher, Karlstad University

Importance of industry for sustainable digtial local development

Fredrik Hoppstadius, Associate senior lecturer, Karlstad University

Tara Mehrabi, Senior lecturer, Karlstad University

Ulf Mellström, Professor gender studies, Karlstad University

Maja Herstad, lecturer, Karlstad University