100 mio. DKK for a new research project on data and democracy with RUC professor in charge

Algorithms are controlling an ever-increasing part of society and our daily lives.

But what are they actually doing for us – and to us? Can we trust an algorithm?

We might feel confident about their accuracy, but not necessarily about their morality or impartiality. Recommendations and decisions based on large amounts of data and algorithms seem objective and convincing. But what do we know about the way in which the algorithms actually arrive at their results?

What happens when algorithms are used in sensitive areas to make actual predictions? For example which children are at risk of being subjected to abuse, or which debtors are unlikely to pay their debts. Should we use algorithmic predictions as a basis for political decisions, because they are perhaps more reliable than human gut feeling? If so, what will the consequences be for democracy? And what are the consequences if we allow algorithms to make decisions in routine matters being handled by local authorities or the courts?
 

ADD project aims to build trust

An ambitious DKK 100 million combined research and knowledge dissemination project will now analyse, produce insights and foster discussion about all this and much more. The project has been named ‘Algorithms, Data and Democracy’ – the ADD project.

Digitalisation has become a byword for growth and prosperity in society, but it has also become a controversial and contributing cause of crises of confidence in society. The pace of technological development is accelerating trends in society towards populism, polarisation, conspiracies, conflicts and increased inequality. This is entwining environmental, social, political and economic crises and fostering general distrust in society’s traditional institutions.

The ADD project will provide insights into and explain these connections at the same time as developing both technological and societal solutions aimed at restoring faith in public institutions.
 

Roskilde University heading the consortium

As part of their anniversary activities in 2021, VILLUM FONDEN and VELUX FONDEN have decided to grant DKK 100 million to this unique project. Over the next 10 years, the research and knowledge dissemination project will provide valuable know-how on the use of algorithms, and how we can use algorithms sensibly in our society and in our democracy in future. In other words: How we can prevent algorithms from contributing to greater conflict, insecurity and mistrust. And how they can make a positive difference and be of practical value to humans.

Following an open call and a recommendation from an international jury, the research part of the project has been won by a research consortium headed by Professor Sine Nørholm Just from the Department of Communication and Arts at Roskilde University.

It is not just the project itself which is unusual, but also the make-up of the research consortium. In addition to Sine Nørholm Just, the project will be run together with five researchers from five other Danish universities: Christina Lioma, professor at the Department of Computer Science, University of Copenhagen, Torben Elgaard Jensen, professor at the Department of Culture and Learning, Aalborg University, Leonard Seabrooke, professor at the Department of Organisation, Copenhagen Business School, Helene Friis Ratner, associate professor at the Danish School of Education, Aarhus University, and Alf Rehn, professor at the Department of Technology and Innovation, University of Southern Denmark.

“The aim of the project is to bring together computer science, the social sciences and the humanities to develop new solutions for the benefit of citizens and society. In other words, we want to understand technological developments and strengthen their democratic potential,” says Sine Nørholm Just.

The research group will analyse dilemmas and identify solutions through selected cases within areas such as health, finance, public administration, public opinion and decision-making. The project will present specific ideas for technological innovation and proposals for general guidelines and policies.