Cluster overview

This cluster brings together critical, empirical and creative research on contemporary transformations of economy, science, and society with a special focus on automation, data technologies and AI.

Our research

We conduct empirical research on the introduction of technologies including large language models, predictive algorithms, platforms and apps, open data, encryption and facial recognition into society, and we examine the impact of computational systems in specific social environments, such as at the border, in the workplace, in the street, and in hospitals.

Our work inspects the infrastructural, discursive and socio-economic dimensions of the digital society, by conducting scholarly and social scientific research of beta-testing, cybersecurity, digital capitalism, digital health, digital racism, digital work, environmental impacts of tech, generative AI and meta-research.

We investigate the rise of big tech and its consequences for relations between individuals and states, capitalism and civil society.

Our research actively engages with relevant stakeholders and publics, through the use of participatory methods, our contributions to public debate, and creative collaboration with community partners.

Our objectives

Our cluster supports cutting-edge social research on technology, economy and society at the University of Warwick and beyond.

Our cluster fosters interdisciplinary exchange between sociology and science and technology studies as well as with computer science, critical data studies, media studies, design studies, the digital humanities and other related fields.

Our cluster builds capacity for independent, rigorous and engaging social research in this area by supporting early career researchers and researchers across all career stages.

Our cluster enables researchers to achieve societal impact by showcasing non-academic publications, public and policy engagement initiatives and related activities.

Our activities

The Technology, Economy and Society cluster will be (re-)launched through a public lecture with an external speaker and a postgraduate research symposium, in Summer 2025.

Throughout the academic year, we will meet to discuss work-in-progress papers as well as funding applications.

Early career researchers will be invited to play a central role in the above activities, and to join our cluster as members.