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The idea of social justice in innovation

Dates
Tuesday, June 4, 2019 - 18:00 to 19:00
Location
Berrill Lecture Theatre, Walton Hall, The Open University, MK7 6AA

As The Open University celebrates its 50th anniversary and prepares to host the Opening up Development 2019 conference it is apt for Theo Papaioannou, Professor of Politics, Innovation and Development, to deliver his inaugural lecture to explore the idea of justice in innovation.

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Abstract

Social Justice has preoccupied political theorists for a very long time. From Plato to Locke and Hume all the way to Rawls, Young and Sen, the idea of justice has been defined as a moral and political standard of how people ought to live and relate to one another within a framework of fair institutions.

Although theories and principles of justice have been applied to govern various social and political actions, technological innovation remains a difficult area for the application of justice. This is not only because of the pace and complexity of emerging technologies but also because of perceptions of value neutrality in the innovation process. Yet innovation is a human action that is guided by both ethical norms and interests and is significant for justice.

Emerging technologies create opportunities for promoting justice but at the same time they also pose risks to injustice.

In this lecture, Professor Papaioannou will discuss how social justice in non-ideal or concrete terms can be applied to innovation in an inclusive way, which takes the needs of marginalised populations into account. He will talk about emerging areas such as artificial intelligence and data ownership; and what the idea of justice in innovation means for the developing world.

Watch what Professor Papaioannou has to say about his lecture in the trailer video below:

The idea of social justice in innovation

About Professor Theo Papaioannou

Theo Papaioannou is Professor of Politics, Innovation and Development at the OU and Director of the Institute for Innovation Generation (INNOGEN). His research uses theoretical and empirical approaches of politics and public policy to study the impact of technological innovation on international development. Professor Papaioannou’s main interests cohere around the application of social justice principles in the governance of technological and developmental change.

Read more about Professor Papaionnou

Event Programme

Timings Item
17:15 - 18:00 Tea/coffee on arrival
18:00 - 18:40 Inaugural lecture: The idea of social justice in innovation
18:40 - 19:00 Q & A
19:00 - 20:00 Drinks reception

Attend in person