Strategic Research Council programmes: Future-proof society: Enhancing social and environmental wellbeing and security – Call for abstracts

The critical question of our turbulent time is how to organise and equip societies and communities to address internal and external disturbances and shocks without losing the capacity and capability to be free and prosperous. A future-proof society is one that, in a co-creative way, faces anticipated future challenges, changes, and uncertainties. Key characteristics include robust and sustainable grey, green and blue infrastructure, engaging democratic practices, adaptive law and governance systems, equitable policies, and a focus on innovation and learning. By prioritising preparedness to act for improvement and fair distribution of benefits and burdens, a future-proof society aims to thrive within changing environmental, social and economic circumstances and emerge resilient with solid democratic institutions.

Enhancing social and environmental wellbeing and security combines multiple research areas such as demography, employment, economy, digitalisation, resilience, climate change mitigation, natural resources, health, globalisation, international politics and geopolitics. The evidence-based solutions are a part of future-proof decision-making, demanding new types of policy design and implementation processes in the near and distant future. The conference will foster an exchange of ideas and approaches between disciplines. We seek insights into theoretical and methodological problems in studying pathways towards a better society. In addition, we encourage researchers to share their experiences and best practices to increase the societal impact of their research.

The conference is targeted at researchers within projects financed by the Strategic Research Council, in particular, but it is open to all interested scholars who wish to present and debate research on future-oriented solutions to enhancing sustainable wellbeing and security. The conference is organised by the Strategic Research Council's research programmes. The conference takes place at the premises of the University of Tampere. A conference fee of 60 euros will apply and it includes access to all sessions during the two days, including coffee and lunch.

Descriptions of the tracks

Just transition and resilience in socio-technical systems

This track invites researchers to discuss the transitioning of socio-technical systems towards sustainability while fostering resilience and justice. These systems are characterised by the integration of people, processes, technology, and the environment. Topics of interest may include but are not limited to examining strategies and policies towards sustainable and inclusive socio-technical systems, exploring the resilience of socio-technical systems in the face of environmental, social, and technological disruptions, discussing approaches to engage communities in the transition process, decision-making and implementation, addressing ethical considerations in the development and deployment of technologies, and analysing policy and governance mechanisms that promote a just transition and resilience in socio-technical systems.

Viable society: demography, economy and resilience 

The viability and resilience of societies depend on social and economic sustainability. This track analyses the impact of demographic changes on institutional structures, ranging from working life to democracy. It assesses the effects on wellbeing and economic consequences, with a focus on the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Topics of interest may include but are not limited to demographic changes, well-being of different population groups, family structures, labour market participation, the role of networks and informal help, trust, political processes and functioning of public policies and institutions.

Navigating our digital futures

Navigating our digital futures, we delve into the study of innovations and challenges shaping our digital world. From artificial intelligence and cybersecurity to the ethics of technology, skills needed in the future and digital inclusion, we navigate the complex intersection between human life and the digital realm. This track is well-suited for presentations examining the opportunities and challenges digital transformation brings. Considerations regarding the digitalisation of services, ethics of artificial intelligence, opportunities and threats, as well as the significance of diverse literacy (information-, critical-, AI- literacy-, etc.) for individuals, society, and the trust and credibility of media and institutions fit well within this track.

Future of democracy and its challenges

This track will focus on the future of the democratic system and how political, legal, and administrative systems can support sustainable, just, and fair societies. Lately, dissatisfaction with democratic policies has increased. The track will examine the reforms and practices needed to revitalise democracy in rapidly changing conditions. Topics of interest may include but are not limited to political processes, deliberative democracy, concentration of power, global challenges and democracy, digitalisation and how it challenges democratic systems and valuing democracy.

Sustainable use of natural, material and human resources

This track deals with the sustainable use of different resources (e.g. natural resources, raw materials, energy, products and services, or human resources). It examines the challenges of current resource use and proposes new solutions that promote wellbeing and sustainable development. Topics of interest may include but are not limited to managing natural resources (such as forests, water, minerals and biodiversity) in a way that maintains their availability in the long term; waste management; principles of reuse, repair and circular economy; and caring for individual resources and wellbeing of employees and residents.

Sustainable smart communities

Developing and adopting structures and practices that advance socially just and environmentally responsible communities are vital in creating pathways toward a sustainable future. Solutions enabling e.g. enhanced material circularity, carbon smart practices and biodiversity in communities in a socially just and inclusive way, are called for. Considering  special characteristics of communities, such as geographical features, level of urbanisation and population density, land use characteristics, and socio-economic and demographic structures, is important in finding the most suitable solutions to different types of communities. We invite papers to address questions, challenges and solutions to promote a future of socially and environmentally sustainable communities. Topics of interest may include, but are not limited to enhancing sustainable mobility, urban biodiversity, carbon smart energy solutions, and sustainability of land use.   

Multispecies wellbeing in the era of polycrises

Since the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (2005), the link between ecosystems and human wellbeing has gained widespread recognition. The era of the Anthropocene is characterised by multiple major challenges including war, critical changes in the global earth system, extreme weather events, uncertain energy systems, disappearance and fragmentation of urban green space and biodiversity loss. Innovative scientific and societal approaches are urgently needed to address the wellbeing of humans and other species. This track welcomes contributions to theories, methodologies, and practical strategies to find just and sustainable solutions across various domains, such as social policy, environmental policy and governance, land use planning, and urban development.

Please send your abstract (max. 250 words) by May 20th 2024.

Notification of acceptance will be sent to authors by June 19th 2024.

Further information on the programme will be provided by the end of August 2024.