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The Beginning of a New Renaissance in ICT

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Slow Tech and ICT

Abstract

This chapter looks back in history as well as forward, in terms of where computing is heading. The chapter concentrates on the co-shaping of society and technology. To portray this co-shaping clearly, there is an exploration of the history of computing from its early days, throughout the Second World War, to three distinct periods: host computing, personal computing, and cloud computing. While a preoccupation with computer ethics emerged in the late 01950s, in 02017 the thrust is towards a more proactive form of computer ethics. Indeed, Slow Tech forms a part of this general trend. It also acts as a means to introduce a more holistic view of ICT systems and Complex Socio-Technical Systems. In its conclusion, this chapter explores a new direction in thinking, which facilitates a longer-term view of ICT: it is the concept of responsible research and innovation. The ideas are captured in a simple model. This chapter provides thoughtful insights into the contemporary development of Slow Tech.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Politecnico of Torino and Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milano, Italy

    Norberto Patrignani

  2. The Castlegate Consultancy, Malton, UK

    Diane Whitehouse

Authors
  1. Norberto Patrignani
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  2. Diane Whitehouse
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Patrignani, N., Whitehouse, D. (2018). The Beginning of a New Renaissance in ICT. In: Slow Tech and ICT. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-68944-9_6

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