Universitetet i Agder

Business, Work and Science in the Age of Digitalisation and Sustainability

Where: B1-001, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
When: October 8th-10th 2018

This conference is organised by University of Agder, in co-operation with: NTNU Gjøvik, European Network of Workplace Innovation (EUWIN) and International Journal of Action Research (IJAR).

The Coping with the Future conference brings together previously separate discourses concerning the future of work, opening up new dialogue.

There is a close historical link between the structure of production in society and the nature of work. The structure of production is facing considerable changes, in the perspective of digitalisation and the call for more sustainable production. We now see a new stage in industrial development in society: a Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0). There is a new debate about work, work organisation, social models, the relation between men and machines, and the emergence of a New Social Contract.

Through a programme over three days of invited international speakers and paper sessions, the Coping with the Future conference will emphasise three main aspects of the current transformation in business and work:

Workplace Innovation 4.0 for Europe: How will business models and technological opportunities impact participatory innovation in work organisation, HR policies and labour relations? Why should companies engage in workplace innovation programmes? What should the forward-looking innovation policy look like?

Work in the Age of Digitalisation and Sustainability: How sustainable is the present collaborative and welfare model, which is undergoing systemic change? What new patterns of work will develop in the perspective of the digital revolution? How will this represent challenges to the social model?

The Role of Science in Social Transformation: To what extent can social science research on the past illuminate the challenges of the future? What is good methodology for developmental work research? How can Action Research engage in transformative social processes?

Outcomes of the conference are intended to include special issues of three international academic journals: the European Journal of Workplace Innovation, the International Journal of Action Research, and the International Journal of Knowledge Economy; and the development of new collaborative programmes concerned with the future of work.

Monday 8th October: Workplace Innovation 4.0 for Europe

Companies in Europe are exploring the opportunities of Industry 4.0. The digital transformation is about technology, people and work organisation.

Impact of new business models: complementing technological innovation with workplace innovation (participatory innovation of work organisation, HR-policies, labour relations).
Policies to facilitate the creation of Workplace Innovation 4.0: Supporting development of ‘innovative qualifications’ and ‘innovative behaviour’.
Why should companies engage in workplace innovation programmes: How is workplace innovation related to technological innovation and sustainability?

Confirmed peakers: Prof. Peter Totterdill (Workplace Innovation Europe), Prof. Steven Dhondt (TNO and University Leuven) and Prof. Frank Pot (Radboud University Nijmegen), Edwin Van Vlierberghe (Global Head of Supply Chain Bombardier Transportation), Fried Kaanen (CEO Bosch Hinges).

Detailed program October 8 (PDF)

Tuesday 9th October: Work in the Age Digitalisation and Sustainability

How sustainable is the present collaborative and welfare model in systemic change?

The new patterns of work: How will the digital revolution impact work?
Challenges to the social model: What policy changes are needed in relation to system change in business and work?
Skills challenge: Tackling skill gaps within organisations, promoting work-based learning

Confirmed speakers: Research Manager John Hurley (Eurofound), Prof. Elias G. Carayannis (George Washington University).

Detailed program October 9 (PDF)