Data2Action - Learning Network for AI and Data-Powered Social Innovation and Co-Creation of Transformative Change (named as “Datavysts”)

Datavysts (Data2Action) explores the interplay between social innovation, data science, and artificial intelligence. The goal is to bring together perspectives from the social sciences and data science to develop new approaches for shaping societal transformation. As a Marie Skłodowska-Curie doctoral network, the project combines academic research with practice-oriented collaboration within an international consortium of universities, research institutions, and partners from the field. A total of 13 doctoral candidates are being trained in an interdisciplinary environment that brings together social science, technological, and practice-oriented expertise. The focus is on how data-driven technologies and artificial intelligence can support social innovation—and, conversely, how social innovation can contribute to the responsible development and application of AI. Through co-creative research processes, the network works on solutions to key societal challenges, including issues of social inclusion, democratic participation, health, and sustainable development.

An international consortium of universities and research institutions: Glasgow Caledonian University (Scotland, coordinator), Politecnico di Milano (Italy), Jožef Stefan Institute (Slovenia), Ghent University (Belgium); civil society and business organizations. The Social Research Center collaborates with the following associate partners: Smart City Office of the City of Schwerte, Social Innovation Center of the City of Dortmund, Business Metropole Ruhr, and Social Impact gGmbH. The TIE Institute at the Department of Business and Economics is also part of the project.

The goal of Datavysts (Data2Action) is to train a total of 13 doctoral candidates as part of an international Marie Skłodowska-Curie doctoral network. Two doctoral fellows will conduct their doctoral research at the Social Research Center. The program combines academic research, practice-oriented development, and interdisciplinary training in the field of artificial intelligence and social innovation. Together with its partner organizations, the network develops new scientific insights and practice-relevant approaches for using data and artificial intelligence to address societal and environmental challenges.

Datavysts (Data2Action) combines social science research with data science methods and practice-oriented innovation processes. Key elements include interdisciplinary research projects led by doctoral students, joint training programs, international exchange initiatives, and collaboration with partners from civil society, the business sector, and the political sphere. Through workshops, monthly training sessions, and secondments at partner organizations, the project integrates academic training with the development of practical skills.

https://datavysts.eu/