In November 2018 we hosted our inaugural Society 4.0 Forum in Melbourne to discuss the emerging digital economy: what it may mean for citizens, for workers’ rights and overall wellbeing. We considered this in the context of a world where data is the new currency, artificial intelligence may be used to drive decisions and automation is becoming the norm.   

Speakers included Nick Davis from the World Economic Forum, Edward Santow from the Australian Human Rights Commission, Vyki Englert from BrightHive and Tris Lumley from Think New Philanthropy Capital.

2018 Society 4.0 Forum

Shaping the digital economy for good

The 2018 Society 4.0 Forum discussed challenges relating to the intersection between technology, innovation and social issues in the emerging digital economy.

2018 Society 4.0 Forum: Shaping the digital economy for good
View transcript [PDF 340KB]

Nick Davis

Data, technology, systems and transformation

Nick Davis (World Economic Forum) spoke about the need for humanity to be the core focus of the 4th Industrial Revolution. 

View transcript [PDF 170KB]
Nick Davis: Data, technology, systems and transformation

Ed Santow

Artificial intelligence in Australia

Ed Santow (Australian Human Rights Commission) spoke about the risks and threats of big social change, especially the trend of trusting machines over human beings to make important decisions for us.

View transcript [PDF 163KB]
Ed Santow: Artificial intelligence in Australia

Viki Englert

Realities of community organisations using data and data analytics in the USA

Viki Englert (BrightHive) focused on practical advice for practitioners, based on the belief that the technology needed isn’t a problem, rather that change is hard and trust is at an all-time low.

View transcript [PDF 165KB]
Viki Englert: Realities of community organisations using data and data analytics in the USA

Tris Lumley

What happens when user voice, collaboration and tech collide in the non-profit sector? 

Tris Lumley (Think New Philanthropy Capital) spoke about what happens when these three elements collide and the role the non-profit sector plays for social good and social impact.

View transcript [PDF 260KB]
Tris Lumley: What happens when user voice, collaboration and tech collide in the non-profit sector?

Beth Webster

How will the data economy affect work?

Beth Webster (Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research Impact and Policy at Swinburne) spoke about Industry 4.0 as automation + data exchange + digital technologies. She discussed the major transformations in the workplace and the implications for workers.

View transcript [PDF 170KB]
Beth Webster: How will the data economy affect work?

Bronwyn Fox

Industry and Society 4.0

Bronwyn Fox (Manufacturing Futures Research Institute at Swinburne) spoke of the mindful approach to digitalisation needed to ensure a positive impact on society, enabling us to solve big problems around energy, communications and transport.

View transcript [PDF 165KB]
Bronwyn Fox: Industry and Society 4.0

Andrew Dettmer

Work in the data economy

Andrew Dettmer (Australian Manufacturers Workers Union) spoke on Australia's decline in union membership, and how unions work for the aspirations of workers.

View transcript [PDF 175KB]
Andrew Dettmer: Work in the data economy

Find out more about the 2018 forum 

Contact the Social Innovation Research Institute

If your organisation would like to collaborate with us to solve a complex problem, or you simply want to contact our team, get in touch by calling +61 3 9214 8180 or emailing sii@swinburne.edu.au.

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