Focus panel 10 – Building a fair, social, green, autonomous digital future for a postgrowth economy

Summary

The impact of the digital sphere on the economy and society encompasses everything from material production to social dynamics online. Not only does ICT require enormous amounts energy, material resources and affect the environment, the digital transition has led to a more centralised economy with a large power over our online interactions, supply chains, consumer behaviour and even our democracy. A small number of big tech companies have unlimited financial resources and vast amounts of data they have all gained from their powerful position on Tech markets. This is how Big Tech companies leverage into new markets are entering every aspect of our society, infrastructures and even our public services. While our society’s dependence on private companies increases, these same companies often exacerbate social inequalities and disproportionately affect minorities in their impacts on society, be it online or offline. What should the digital sphere look like in a postgrowth economy? What are the necessary changes for social-ecologically sustainable business models and infrastructures with a fair distribution? How do we govern our internet, infrastructures and supply chains in the public interest, instead of in the interest of shareholders? Special attention will be given to what the EU can do in this regard.

Speakers

• Kim Van Sparrentak - MEP (Greens/EFA), Beyond Growth Conference organiser

Speakers

• Rodrigo Fernandez - Senior researcher and author of SOMO report “Financialisation of Big Tech”
• Sophie Bloemen - Director, Commons Network
• Corinna Schlombs - Associate Professor of History Rochester Institute of Technology
• Asha Allen - Advocacy Director for Europe, Online Expression & Civic Space for the Centre of Democracy and Technology
• Nakeema Stefflbauer - CEO, FrauenLoop and Core Participant, Decolonising Digital Rights