The ‘Digitalising State’ symposium

The two-day programme, which took place on the 4th and 5th of September 2023, was dedicated to an interdisciplinary and critical examination of state politics, practices, and performances in the digital era. 

The event took place at UCL’s Institute of Advanced Studies (IAS), drawing over 30 attendees who gathered to share their knowledge and insights on digitalisation - a burgeoning force that is reshaping the way governments operate, engage with their citizens, and transform established spatial and temporal norms.  

Highlighting the significance of combining geographical perspectives with critical studies of urbanisation, datafication, infrastructure, and informational politics, the presenters delved into the evolving manifestations of statehood, governance, surveillance, and civil resistance emerging with the digital technologies boom.

One of the key insights that surfaced during the symposium was the need to consider non-state and para-state actors when examining the impact of digitalisation on urban planning and territorial management. 

Drawing on compelling examples from India, Bangladesh, Mexico, and South Africa, the presenters explored the role of brokers, intermediaries, and private corporations as entities increasingly wielding political influence in shaping the ways cities are imagined, planned, and transformed.

On behalf of the Regional Futures project, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the participants who made this event an unforgettable experience. 

The Symposium undoubtedly provided us with much food for thought, and we are confident that the connections forged over the two days of activities will yield remarkably positive outcomes, including the potential for future collaborations and the opportunity to continue exploring important research areas together.

Last, but by no means least, we wish to extend our appreciation to the European Research Council and the Institute of Advanced Studies (IAS) at UCL, who kindly hosted us at their headquarters. 

Keynotes

• Dr John Harrison, Loughborough University: Planning Regional Futures: What role should digitalisation and digital planning play?
• Manu Luksch, Royal College of Arts: Moonwalking into the Future
• Dr Stefania Milan, University of Amsterdam: Against data invisibilities: Thinking from the margin

More information 

• The digitalising state: Governing digitalisation-as-urbanisation in the global south
• Full Symposium report (.pdf)