The Shaping of Ambient Intelligence and the Internet of Things

Simon E. Bibri is a PhD Candidate at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway. He has a true passion for academic and lifelong learning and a natural thirst for knowledge. Having above all been intrigued by the relationship between scientific knowledge, technological systems, and society, he has wittingly and voluntarily chosen to pursue an unusual academic journey by embarking on studying a diverse range of subject areas – at the interaction of Science, Technology, and Society. His intellectual pursuits and endeavors have resulted, hitherto, in an educational background encompassing knowledge from, and meta–knowledge about, different academic disciplines. He holds a Bachelor of Science in computer engineering with a major in ICT strategy, a research–based Master of Science in computer science with a focus on Ambient Intelligence and ICT for sustainability, a Master of Science in computer science with a major in informatics, a Master of Sciencein entrepreneurship and innovation with a focus on new venture creation, a Master of Science in strategic leadership towards sustainability, a Master of Science in sustainable urban planning and development, a Master of Social Science with a major in business administration (MBA), a Master of Arts in communication and media for social change and a postgraduate degree in management and economics. In addition, he has a number of certificates, including innovation science, economics of innovation, teaching for sustainability, corporate entrepreneurship, project management, and policy in the European Union. He has received his Master’s degrees and certificates from different universities in Sweden, namely Lund University, West University, Blekinge Institute of Technology, Malmö University, and Halmstad University.  Before starting his Master studies’ endeavor, Bibri worked as an ICT strategist. In 2004, he founded a small business and consulting firm where heserved as a sustainability and green ICT strategist and consultant. Over the last few years, he has been involved in a number of research and consulting projects pertaining to the IoT, green ICT strategy, strategic sustainability innovations, circular business model innovation, clean and energy efficiency technology, sustainable urban planning, and sustainable urban models (eco–city, smart city, and compact city). Since his graduation in June 2014, he has been working as a freelance consultant in his areas of expertise and a research associate, giving lectures on specialized topics, and writing his second book.  Bibri has a genuine interest in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research. In light of his varied academic background, his research interests include AmI, the IoT, social shaping of science–based technology, philosophy and sociology of scientific knowledge, sustainability transitions and innovations, urban sustainability, eco–city and smartcity, governance of sociotechnical changes in technological innovation systems, green and knowledge–intensive innovation, clean and energy efficiency technology, green and circular economy, and S&T and innovation policy.

Introduction.- Understanding the Research and Academic Field of STS.- Conceptual Background, Theoretical Framework, Academic Discourses, and Research Methodologies.- The Nature and Practices of AmI: Historical a Priori, Epistemic, Institutional, Political, and Socio–cultural Perspectives.- Paradigmatic and Discursive Dimensions of AmI and the IoT and Knowledge/Power Relations, Subject Positioning, and Legitimation.- AmI and the IoT and Environmental and Societal Sustainability: Risks, Challenges, and Underpinnings.- Ethical Implications of AmI and the IoT: Risks to Privacy, Security, and Trust, and Prospective Technological Safeguards.- Democratizing AmI and the IoT: The Power and Influence of Social Innovation and Participative and Humanistic Design.