Brokering algorithmic futures (BROKERS) is a two-year project addressing with concrete methods the overarching human-machine mismatch problem that we identified in our research. Algorithmic systems and artificial intelligence (AI) applications promise speed, efficiency, and scalability, but the reality often falls short. We identified several key areas in the development of algorithmic systems, where human aspects become sidelined, resulting in systems that are misaligned with what is needed, and in conflict with societally cherished values like privacy, autonomy and openness.
BROKERS demonstrates how incorporating human perspectives improves algorithmic systems and product development
BROKERS introduces tools and approaches that facilitate collaboration among project managers, lawyers, technical experts, data scientists, software engineers, and ethicists
BROKERS identifies who needs to communicate during development, how these interactions should occur, and their potential impacts
BROKERS emphasizes collaborative problem-solving, illustrating that efficiency encompasses more than just cost-cutting or optimizing machine performance
BROKERS develops effective brokering concepts that can be integrated into existing workflows
BROKERS promotes new best practices in algorithmic system development and inspires further research and testing
The project receives funding from the Research Council of Finland’s Proof of Concept Funding.
The project includes collaboration with the following stakeholders: DVV, Sekasin Collective, Social Insurance Institution of Finland/ Kela, Wellbeing services county
of South Karelia/ EKHVA, Reaktor, Solita, and Loihde.
Advisory board: Pekka Mäkelä (University of Helsinki), Mirko Schäfer (Utrecht University), Sarah Pink (Monash University), and Rachel Charlotte Smith (Aarhus University).