At a time when technologies develop fast, it is necessary to establish models that allow mapping their long-term consequences. This framework must include actors from different disciplines, both from the field of technology and social change, to move away from opportunistic perspectives and find potential evaluation mechanisms that can truly account for the social, economic and environmental impact of emerging technologies. How to generate a participatory space to explore this and how to share the results of such an experience?
In order to achieve a relevant exchange and meaningful resutls, we created an interdisciplinary conference, Revision, with a program that involved the brightest minds working with blockchain, AI and big data. Beyond informative sections, its spirit was to be both critical and analytical, considering how these technologies could create social impact, be used to analyze the challenges of democracy in the digital age, and foster citizen participation.
To complement the most informative section of the program, integrated by round tables, panels and keynotes, we also put into practice experimental methodologies through a series of workshops, to boost participation and insights, and also help the participants to get in direct contact with the experts of the sector. Exhibitions and performances would also address the issue from different artistic disciplines.
Despite the great effort involved in producing a large in-person event, the truth is that this format provides a unique opportunity for spontaneous connections and networking among all participants. In this context, the challenge is to collect all the valuable information and then translate it into a format that is accessible to all stakeholders and that can be used for further research on the different topics.