As one of the core objectives of the Engineroom project was to identify key emerging dynamics and trends surrounding the internet and related technologies to so help inform the future research agenda of the Next Generation Internet initiatives, we engaged in many mapping exercises, with a particular focus on using novel data science methodologies. Insights from these exercises were used for two key purposes: first, to help inform the future direction of the NGI, second to help develop a methodology that could continue to be used into the future.
Delivery of a state-of-the-art data visualisation platform, making insights about emerging technology trends more accessible to a policymaker and general audience.
Effectively helped inform the funding direction and definition of key focus areas of the Next Generation Internet initiative.
Development of a robust and cutting-edge set of methodologies for mapping early signals of change around internet topics, with data and code available to the data science community for easy reuse.
Effective dissemination of new methods, both among expert communities (through the publication of several open access papers, for example) and a more general audience (through educational data sprints, webinars and easy-to-use toolkits).
We combined both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, using big data methods to map emerging dynamics in various sub-communities, and desk research to find out more about the surrounding economic, legal, social and political contexts around key issues.
In-depth mapping of key technology but also social issues, well-read by our stakeholder communities.
Selection of ten key challenges for the future internet, from sustainability to diversity to online identities, which helped bring more cohesion to the NGI initiative as a whole.
Delivery of a state-of-the-art data visualisation platform, making insights about emerging technology trends for a policymaker and general audience.
Publication of four open access papers, elaborating on the methodologies developed as part of the project.
We looked at what the future might hold. This is incredibly important, as we want to make sure we develop plans that stay fit-for-purpose in the future, and anticipate emerging challenges and opportunities before it is too late to take action.
Publication of an award-winning book of radical visions for the future internet, bringing together both leading thinkers in the internet space and emerging thinkers and artists, which generated substantial attention among media and the general public.
Organisation of a series of highly successful events discussing what a more human-centric future internet should look like, bringing together leading names and over 3,000 attendees.
Development of several resources on what the future of several key topics, including an original board game.
