Robin Williams: Navigating Uncertain Digital Futures

Socio-Technical Futures Research Group (SPAIS). University of Bristol

University of Bristol's Socio-Technical Studies Research Group  present a lecture by Prof Robin Williams

Priory Road Complex / F BLOCK (3F9)

<h3>University of Bristol's Socio-Technical Studies research group present a lecture by Prof Robin Williams.</h3>In this second event of the Research On Cultures of Engineering and Technology (ROCET) lecture series, we welcome Robin Williams to Bristol to discuss his research into hype and an emerging domain of expertise on digital futures.Robin Williams is the Professor of Social Science Research on Technology, and the Director of The Institute for the Study of Science, Technology and Innovation at The University of Edinburgh. His research on the social shaping of technology has been of significant influence to the study of technology. In this talk he will focus on his recent research into hype and what he calls “promissory ecosystems”, and how they shape the world we currently live in.The event will take place at the University of Bristol, Priory Road Complex, F Block, 3F9.We will broadcast the event online, via zoom. Please sign up to receive the Zoom link. Audio and video should be improved from the previous ROCET Lecture as we have changed to a more suitable location.ABSTRACT:Hype is traditionally portrayed as ‘noise’ that unhelpfully exaggerates the prospects of particular innovations. However recent commentators like Jens Beckert highlight its role in mobilising and coordinating effort in the digital economy. This talk explores how expert intermediaries like the industry analyst firm Gartner Inc. have developed and popularised tools like the Hype Cycle that help potential adopters navigate hype and orient themselves – taming an otherwise unmanageable sea of promissory claims. We further highlight emergent forms of expertise — analyst relations (AR) professionals — who help innovators orient their offerings towards industry analyst evaluations. These developments are constituting a “promissory ecosystem” where, innovation narratives are moderated and shaped in interactions between innovators, industry analysts, and other experts. I draw on qualitative research by Neil Pollock in the University of Edinburgh Business School and our planned book After Hype: The Business of Taming the Digital Economy.***

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Robin Williams: Navigating Uncertain Digital Futures

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Robin Williams: Navigating Uncertain Digital Futures

More events from Socio-Technical Futures Research Group (SPAIS). University of Bristol

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