Equitable technology development: a framework and methods for scientists and engineers

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Equity requires a rethinking of the processes and methods that applied scientists and engineers work through as they develop solutions that are simultaneously technical and social. By bridging insights from science and technology studies with critical analysis of participatory development practice, we propose a framework for understanding equitable technology development. We explore this through an illustrative case of water monitoring technology development, undertaken with scientists, engineers and communities in Vanuatu. Analysis suggests a typology of five methodological considerations that are significant for the practice of equitable technology development, locating equitable technology development as both a technical and an ethical challenge.

Original languageEnglish
Article number100451
Number of pages12
JournalSustainable Futures
Volume9
Early online date18 Jan 2025
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 18 Jan 2025

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2025 The Author(s)

Keywords

  • Equity
  • Innovation processes
  • Knowledge
  • Power
  • Technology development
  • Transdisciplinary methods

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