As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in the fabric of society, we are entering a period of profound transformation — of how we work, collaborate, and define human agency. AI is no longer simply a tool; it is a force that is reshaping institutions, labor, relationships, and the foundations of decision-making across every sector. This raises critical questions: How do we ensure that this transformation enhances human dignity and social cohesion? What new forms of collaboration — between humans, machines, and institutions—are emerging, and how can they be designed to promote justice, autonomy, and collective resilience?
This year’s conference, The Great Transformation: Collaboration, Work and Agency in the Age of AI, will explore how individuals, organizations, and societies can navigate this rapidly evolving landscape. It invites researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, and civil society to come together to reflect on the new dynamics of power and participation in an AI-driven world. Through panels, keynotes and discussions, we will engage with topics such as algorithmic labor, augmented decision-making, digital justice, and the evolving nature of expertise and human value.
The WASP-HS AI for Humanity and Society 2025 conference offers a space not only to examine the challenges, but to imagine new pathways forward — where AI can be a catalyst for inclusive innovation, democratic collaboration, and meaningful work. We warmly welcome you to join us in Stockholm at the Stockholm School of Economics on October 9–10, 2025.
Gillian Tett
Provost of King’s College,
University of Cambridge
Juliane Reinecke
Professor of Management Studies,
University of Oxford
13:00–13:20 Welcome and introduction
Christofer Edling, Professor of Sociology, WASP-HS Program Director
Lisen Selander, Professor of Information Systems at the University of Gothenburg
Magnus Mähring, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Digital Innovation at the Stockholm School of Economics
13:20–13:50 Keynote “AI innovation and societal resilience in a multipolar world”
Gillian Tett, Provost of King’s College, Cambridge
14:00–14:30 Living with Algorithms
Sebastian Krakowski, Assistant Professor, House of Innovation, Stockholm School of Economics
Mia Liinason, Professor of Gender Studies, Lund University
Fredric Karén, Executive VP Sweden, Schibsted
Moderator: Magnus Mähring, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Digital Innovation at the Stockholm School of Economics
14:35–14:55 Fika and table discussions
15:00–15:30 Algorithmic Augmentation and Expertise in Organizations
Elmira van den Broek, Assistant Professor, Department of Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Technology, House of Innovation, Stockholm School of Economics
Marleen Huysman, Professor in the Department of Information Systems, Marketing and Logistics, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Vrije Unversiteit Amsterdam
Panos Constantinides, Professor of Digital Innovation at Alliance Manchester Business School, The University of Manchester
Moderator: Anna Essén, Associate Professor Stockholm School of Economics
15:35–15:55 Fika and table discussions
16:00–16:30 Algorithmic (In)justices
Olgerta Tona, Senior lecturer at the Department of Applied IT at the University of Gothenburg
Charlotta Kronblad – Research Fellow at the Department of Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Technology at the House of Innovation, Stockholm School of Economics
Stefan Larsson, Associate Professor in Technology and Social Change at Lund University, Sweden
Moderator: Lisen Selander, Professor of Information Systems at the University of Gothenburg
16:35–16:55 Fika and table discussions
17:00–17:15 Closing Remarks
17:20–17:50 Art Exhibition sessions and Mingle
The Art Exhibition will take place at Stockholm School of Economics. Following the art tours, there will be an evening mingle with drinks and light bites. Lars Strannegård, the President of the Stockholm School of Economics will be opening the mingle with welcome remarks.
08:30 Registration and coffee and tea
09:00–9:05 Welcome and opening
Ericka Johnson, Professor in Gender and Society, Linköping University
Christofer Edling, Professor of Sociology, WASP-HS Program Director
09:05–09:45 Keynote and Q&A
Juliane Reinecke, Professor of Management Studies, Saïd Business School, University of Oxford
09:45–10:35 Lightning Talks – WASP-HS Research Project Results
Teresa Cerratto-Pargman, Professor of Human-computer interaction, Stockholm University
Nicolette Lakemond, Professor in Industrial Management, Linköping University
Donal Casey, Associate Professor in Commercial Law, Uppsala University
Pontus Strimling, Professor of Analytical Sociology at IAS and research leader, Institute for Futures Studies
10.35–10.55 Coffee break
10:55–11.45 Lightning Talks – New Research Clusters
Martin Ebers, Associate Professor of IT Law at the University of Tartu
Anne Kaun, Professor in media and communication studies, Södertörn University
Anna Foka, Professor in Digital Humanities, Uppsala University
Oskar Nordström Skans, Professor of Economics, Uppsala University
11:45 Closing words
Christofer Edling, WASP-HS Program Director
Ericka Johnson, Professor in Gender and Society, Linköping University
Lisen Selander, Professor of Information Systems at the University of Gothenburg
Magnus Mähring, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Digital Innovation at the Stockholm School of Economics
Rooms will be available for booking for side meetings or workshops on the morning of October 9. If you are interested in booking a room, please contact us at contact@wasp-hs.org no later than August 22.
In the afternoon of October 10, participants are welcome to attend Dialogues on Digital, a half-day conference hosted by the Stockholm School of Economics — House of Innovation. With its focus on how digital innovation is reshaping what it means to be human, the event offers a continuation of the conversations from WASP-HS AI for Humanity and Society — especially for those interested in the societal and personal dimensions of digital transformation. More information about the Dialogues on Digital conference will be added soon.
Professor of Entrepreneurship and Digital Innovation at the Stockholm School of Economics
Professor of Information Systems at the University of Gothenburg
