ADD Knowledge Broker
David Budtz Pedersen
Professor of Science Communication, Aalborg University Copenhagen.
Knowledge Broker for Algorithms, Data and Democracy
Across democratic institutions, digitalization and algorithms are affecting more and more challenges that governments face. Having access to high-quality, evidence-based research advice is important for the design, evaluation, and implementation of new technologies. It is part of the ADD mission to create closer links between democratic governance and research capacity across computer science, social sciences and humanities.
In order to foster trusted and actionable knowledge within the ADD consortium, a designated Knowledge Broker has been appointed to facilitate knowledge exchange between the Research Team and public policymakers. Prof. David Budtz Pedersen will assist the Research Team to translate, synthetize and implement results and recommendations obtained throughout the research program and identify topics of special relevance to external stakeholders. In addition, the Knowledge Broker provides training and methods to build capacity in the following areas:
- Prepare the consortium to generate policy guidelines and implementation of research
- Help the consortium to develop non-scholarly formats for science communication
- Guide the consortium in establishing productive interactions and dialogue with decision-makers
- Plan and executive a number of policy workshops to build capacity in algorithmic governance
- Assist the consortium in designing and developing guidelines, policy briefs and recommendations
Prof. David Budtz Pedersen is member of the Steering Group and provide input and guidance on the implementation and translation of research harnessed throughout the ADD project. In addition, he will carry out studies and collect data on impact activities, stakeholder involvement and knowledge dissemination originating from the ADD project.
Knowledge brokering and knowledge mobilization has gained significant international moment in recent years. The ability to translate research results and create closer links between science and policy has become a major driver for societal change. Engagement, exchange and communication are indeed needed to facilitate trustworthy science advice and to inform the public about the scientific complexity of advanced algorithms and digitalisation. Moreover, knowledge brokering is not a one-way street. Communication and dialogue are needed between stakeholders – academic institutions, government, the private sector, industry, NGOs, media and the public. All of these key groups must be involved in the co-creation of human-centric solutions.