Lecture: 'From Technology-driven to social-driven innovation in the age of Digital Transformations'

In the continuous evolving landscape of digital transformations, the convergence of cutting-edge technologies, including Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI), is reshaping the fabric of our daily lives. In this presentation I will explore the dynamic shift from technology-driven to social-driven innovation, highlighting the exponential growth of digital technology-based innovations in relation to societal challenges.

Emphasizing the concept of social-driven innovation in the digital age, the discussion in this talk will focus around designing and supporting systems, products, and services that leverage digital technologies to create tangible value for users, particularly in addressing pressing societal challenges. Examples of on-going research projects at Linnaeus University in Sweden will be presented and discussed. This talk will serve as a compelling exploration of the intersection between technology and society, offering new perspectives for navigating the complexities of the digital age.

Biography

Marcelo Milrad is a Full Professor of Media Technology at the dept of Computer Science & Media Technology at Linnaeus University (LNU) in Sweden. His research spans across diverse fields including Technology-Enhanced Learning (TEL), advanced human-computer interaction, innovative applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques, and mobile technologies within Education & Health Care domains. With extensive experience in cross-disciplinary research and educational collaboration, Professor Milrad is at the forefront of leveraging information technologies to enhance teaching and learning experiences. Since March 2020, he serves as the main scientific coordinator of LNU's cross-disciplinary knowledge environment, Digital Transformations, fostering collaboration across various fields. Additionally, Dr. Milrad is actively engaged in an initiative at LNU alongside colleagues from the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, known as Digital Humanities, furthering interdisciplinary approaches to research and education.

Professor Milrad's research is characterized by the close collaboration with industrial partners and the public sector, facilitating the development and implementation of cutting-edge technologies in real-world settings. Currently, he is the principal investigator for the research project Extending Design Thinking with Digital Technologies, supported by the EU Commission (2022-2025, €3.2 million), aimed at integrating digital tools and emerging technologies to enhance design thinking processes. With over 250 publications in international journals, refereed conferences, books, and technical reports, Dr. Milrad's work has made significant contributions to the fields of media technology and education. He has also delivered presentations and lectures on his research in more than 45 countries worldwide, furthering global discourse on the intersection of technology and education.