HU Lecturers Develop Ethical Guide for Digital Innovation
Den Haag, Friday, 10 October 2025.
Stan van Ginkel and Koen Smit of Hogeschool Utrecht are creating a moral compass to help professionals ethically navigate digitalization, addressing the societal impacts of technology.
The Need for Ethical Digital Innovation
In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, the need for ethical considerations in technological advancements has become increasingly critical. Dr. Stan van Ginkel and Dr. Ing. Koen Smit from Hogeschool Utrecht’s Meaningful Digital Innovation (BDI) research group are spearheading efforts to create a ‘moral compass’ for professionals. This initiative is designed to ensure that digital innovations are not only technologically advanced but also socially responsible and ethically sound [1].
Addressing Societal Impacts
The research group emphasizes that digital technology is never value-neutral, inherently carrying both implicit and explicit values. Their work seeks to guide professionals in sectors such as IT, public services, healthcare, and education, helping them translate personal and public values into design requirements for emerging technologies like AI, XR, and digital twins [1]. This approach addresses growing concerns about the societal impacts of digitalization, as highlighted by instances where automated systems have led to significant social issues, such as the Robodebt scandal in Australia and the childcare benefits scandal in the Netherlands [2][3].
Educational Tools and International Collaboration
The BDI group is also involved in developing practical tools for education, such as the ‘Honest Mirror’ application, which assists students in improving their presentation skills through automated feedback. This project, supported by UNESCO, is being adopted in countries like Finland, Estonia, and Czechia, demonstrating the global relevance of their research [1]. Moreover, the group’s focus on value-sensitive design aligns with international efforts to enhance digital literacy and ensure that technological advancements contribute positively to societal welfare [4].
Future Directions and Public Engagement
Looking ahead, Stan van Ginkel and Koen Smit are set to present a public lecture titled ‘Collaboratively Developing Ethical Digital Innovations’ on 10 October 2025. This event highlights their ongoing commitment to fostering public discourse around ethical digital innovation and the importance of integrating ethical considerations into the design and implementation of technology [1]. By engaging with a broad audience, they aim to cultivate a deeper understanding of how digital innovations can be harnessed responsibly to address complex regional and global challenges.