REPAIR - Valuable breakages: repair and renewal of algorithmic systems

The rapid expansion of digital infrastructures and algorithmic systems generates new and unforeseen societal interdependencies and vulnerabilities. Driven by pressures to do more with shrinking resources, public sector authorities are deploying and planning to deploy automated service delivery. The pursuit of efficiency, combined with the lack of well-defined operational models and insufficient regulatory oversight, creates pressure towards the welfare society and its values including openness, equality, and autonomy. Yet, algorithmic systems can also work as a positive force that supports human productivity, sustainable uses of resources and more inclusive delivery of public service. 

REPAIR brings together leading scholars and experts on societal, organizational, legal and human aspects of algorithmic systems aiming to align them with the goals and values of the welfare society.

By working with technical experts and public and private organizations developing and using algorithmic systems, REPAIR seeks to establish new and creative ways to research and promote sustainable algorithmic futures.

REPAIR is funded by the Strategic Research Council, an independent body established within the Research Council of Finland.

REPAIR: 

  • Investigates breakages, repair and renewal of algorithmic systems

  • Explores trust and security, related values and practices by observing what professionals do and think when they promote, design, build and evaluate algorithmic systems 

  • Studies processes of digitalization by taking into account the interactions between humans and algorithmic systems

  • Promotes public conversations about algorithmic systems and futures rooted in practices that define them