Digital Transformations: Social and Ethical Consequences of Rapid Technological Change
Edward Elgar Publishing (2026), x, 276 pp.
"This timely book explores how digital transformations are rapidly reshaping modern societies, including public service, business, educational, health and welfare systems. Leading experts in the field investigate the ways in which digital technologies increase both the demand for and promise of new solutions to crucial societal, economic and ecological challenges." (Publisher description)
Introduction to digital transformations / Cathrine E. Tømte, Jarle Trondal, Gloria Ziglioli and Alexander Ruser, 1
1 A sociological theory of media and digitalisation / Dirk Baecker, 16
PART I. DIGITAL GOVERNANCE
2 Digital transformation readiness: evaluating Dutch municipalities’ compliance with the AI Act / Willem Bantema, Trix Mulder and Soner Korucu, 38
3 Navigating waters and algorithms: lessons from ships in developing a liability regime for AI / Rufat Babayev, 56
4 Artificial intelligence and the governance of smart cities in Africa: possibilities and constraints / Alhassan Yakubu Alhassan and Abdul-Rahim Abdulai, 76
PART II. DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP
5 When public servants need to help non-digital and partially digital citizens / Carl Erik Moe and Margunn Aanestad, 100
6 The interplay of blockchain technologies and citizenship / Martin Rolf Herbers, 112
7 Challenges of citizen e-participation in shaping urban mobility policy: state of research / Bernardo Valente, 126
8 Creation and captivation: analysing professional agency among teachers utilizing immersive technology in SEN education / Martin Smith-Gahrsen, 161
PART III. RESPONSIBLE AND ETHICAL DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
9 The ethical dilemmas of building a safe society / Jaanika Puusalu, 184
10 Assistive robots in Italian and Norwegian healthcare: how do contextual conditions shape the path of innovation, and what implications does this have for policy? / Ivan Galligani and Gloria Ziglioli, 202
11 Artificial intelligence, professions and the meaning of work / Mateja Vodiškar and Caroline Ruiner, 222
12 Artificial intelligence and inclusive education: a critical look from a pedagogical perspective / Silvia Zanazzi and Cathrine E. Tømte, 244
1 A sociological theory of media and digitalisation / Dirk Baecker, 16
PART I. DIGITAL GOVERNANCE
2 Digital transformation readiness: evaluating Dutch municipalities’ compliance with the AI Act / Willem Bantema, Trix Mulder and Soner Korucu, 38
3 Navigating waters and algorithms: lessons from ships in developing a liability regime for AI / Rufat Babayev, 56
4 Artificial intelligence and the governance of smart cities in Africa: possibilities and constraints / Alhassan Yakubu Alhassan and Abdul-Rahim Abdulai, 76
PART II. DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP
5 When public servants need to help non-digital and partially digital citizens / Carl Erik Moe and Margunn Aanestad, 100
6 The interplay of blockchain technologies and citizenship / Martin Rolf Herbers, 112
7 Challenges of citizen e-participation in shaping urban mobility policy: state of research / Bernardo Valente, 126
8 Creation and captivation: analysing professional agency among teachers utilizing immersive technology in SEN education / Martin Smith-Gahrsen, 161
PART III. RESPONSIBLE AND ETHICAL DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
9 The ethical dilemmas of building a safe society / Jaanika Puusalu, 184
10 Assistive robots in Italian and Norwegian healthcare: how do contextual conditions shape the path of innovation, and what implications does this have for policy? / Ivan Galligani and Gloria Ziglioli, 202
11 Artificial intelligence, professions and the meaning of work / Mateja Vodiškar and Caroline Ruiner, 222
12 Artificial intelligence and inclusive education: a critical look from a pedagogical perspective / Silvia Zanazzi and Cathrine E. Tømte, 244
