03 Jul Paper presented at WISERD Annual Conference 2024, South Wales University, Cardiff (UK), 3-4 July 2024: ‘Digital Foundational Economy: AI, Data Democracy, and Social Innovation’

On 3-4 July 2024, I had the honor of presenting my paper titled “Digital Foundational Economy: AI, Data Democracy, and Social Innovation” at the WISERD Annual Conference, hosted by South Wales University in Cardiff. This exciting event provided an opportunity to engage with scholars and policymakers on how digital technologies and social innovation can address regional challenges and promote economic development.

My presentation focused on how Wales and the Basque Country can leverage AI and data democracy to foster civic engagement, build stronger networks of collaboration, and enhance social innovation. I discussed the significant potential of AI-driven governance frameworks in empowering regions to address socio-economic disparities while preserving their distinct cultural identities.

I was particularly honored to have Dr. Matthew Thompson and Dr. David Beel in attendance, whose contributions to the study of foundational economies continue to inspire these discussions. Their insights into urban transformations in Cardiff and Bilbao, specifically around initiatives like SPARK and ASFabrik, enriched the conversation on building resilient economies through AI and social innovation.

This event was an enriching opportunity to exchange ideas on how regions can use AI and digital technologies to build more inclusive and democratic economies. I look forward to continuing this research and fostering further collaborations between Wales and the Basque Country.