Project Portugal 2030

Summary

The BRIDGING project embarks on a groundbreaking and ambitious mission at national and international levels: to pioneer an empirically-based exploration of the myriad perspectives held by diverse social groups on Artificial Intelligence (AI). Our CENTRAL OBJECTIVE is twofold. First, to furnish a comprehensive understanding of diverse viewpoints that will allow to develop an innovative social theory of public engagement with science and technology for the specific case of AI based on original empirical data. Second, to foster diverse publics’ active participation in shaping the trajectory of AI development and governance. Our SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES address the following important challenges: ADVANCEMENT OF KNOWLEDGE IN THE FIELD OF AI AND SOCIETY: Our primary aim is to cultivate innovative concepts and approaches that elucidate the intricate interplay between technology and society, particularly within the realm of AI. Leveraging the rich legacy of Social Studies of Science and Technology (STS), we will embark on a dedicated exploration of AI as a socio-technical system. Task 1 will be devoted to intensive theory-building endeavors, laying the foundation for a nuanced understanding of AI's embeddedness within social structures and contexts. ADVANCING POLICY AND REGULATION OF AI: Concurrently, we seek to catalyze substantive advancements in AI governance through informed policy interventions. Task 1 will involve meticulous mapping of existing policies, with a particular emphasis on the underexplored domain of AI regulation in Portugal. Subsequent tasks will harness empirical insights gleaned from media analysis (Task 3), individual interviews (Tasks 4, 7) and participatory workshops (Tasks 5,8) to inform Task 9, where consensus-based recommendations for inclusive governance will be formulated. By anchoring our recommendations in robust empirical evidence, we endeavor to bridge the gap between policy discourse and societal realities. FOSTERING COLLABORATION AND CO-DESIGN OF INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS: Recognizing the imperative of inclusive participation in AI governance, we are committed to nurturing collaborative frameworks that amplify the voices of marginalized communities. Tasks 6 and 10 will spearhead outreach and dissemination efforts aimed at igniting public engagement with the project outcomes at national and international levels, while Task 2 will establish a digital platform to catalyze bottom-up initiatives that will persist beyond the development of the project. By fostering a culture of co-design and collaboration, we aim to cultivate a vibrant ecosystem wherein diverse stakeholders converge to shape the future of AI governance. In essence, the BRIDGING project embodies a transformative endeavor with far-reaching implications. By forging novel pathways for engagement and dialogue, we aspire not only to deepen our understanding of AI's societal implications but also to empower communities to actively participate in shaping its future trajectory. Through the meticulous execution of these objectives, we are poised to leave an indelible mark on the scientific research about public involvement in AI governance at both national and international levels.