The Modeling and Simulation of Techno-Social Systems (MoST) unit at Fondazione Bruno Kessler investgates AI- and data-driven methods to model and simulate complex socio-technical systems in support of public decision-making and civic participation.
The group is part of the Digital Society Center.
Vision
As societies face rapid transformations and increasing interdependence between technical and social systems, we envision a future in which digital technologies become essential for society to makes sense of complex environmental, social, and technological challenges and transformation processes. This requires not only more effective and efficient analysis and decision-making tools, but also new approaches to democratize the access to these tools. To this end, we champion a vision in which data-driven systems are open, interpretable, co-designed with the relevant institutions, organizations, and communities.
Approach
We research models, analysis and simulation of complex socio-technical systems and blend them with methods and tools to support collaborative design, participatory planning, and accountable public decision-making.
We develop digital tools aligned with our research agenda to help institutions, large organizations, and communities understand complex transformation processes, explore what-if scenarios, and make data-informed decisions in high-stakes, real-world contexts.
Our applications are in key domains such as cities (mobility, urban planning, tourism, studentification, etc.), rural areas (tourism, climate neutrality, etc.), and large organizations (in particular, Public Administration).
Projects
AIxPA: Artificial Intelligence for Public Administration
Description. The AIxPA project – funded within the Flagship Project PNC-A.1.3 – Digitalization of the Public Administration of the Autonomous Province of Trento, CUP: C49G22001020001 – aims to implement an Artificial Intelligence (AI) solution specifically designed for the needs of a public administration (PA). The objective is to foster a structural adoption of AI by the public administration, developing its transformative value and overcoming the current fragmented use of AI itself. The project will provide a scalable model to generate a significant impact and growth for the territory. This requires working in an integrated manner on all aspects of AI adoption: the technological and methodological tools, the ‘know-how’ inside and outside the public administration, the operational capacity, the governance, ethical, legal and organisational aspects. To this end, the project will create an innovation ecosystem capable of involving all stakeholders in the area, where IT companies will play a leading role.
Role of MoST. We have the responsibility of the overall technical and scientific management of the project. We are also in charge of the development of the Digital Twin project solution to support AI-based decision making, and of the use-case on the effects of overtourism and possible mitigating actions.
Links. AIxPA web site
BDT: Bologna Digital Twin
Description. Bologna’s Digital Twin is a project promoted by the Municipality of Bologna to enhance the public value of data and support innovative decision-making processes. Bologna’s Digital Twin is a dynamic digital model of the urban environment and its functioning, powered by data and information shared by stakeholders and citizens and collected in real-time. Bologna’s DT will provide a new civic infrastructure to improve quality of life and address major challenges of our time, such as climate change and new economic and social trends.
Role of MoST. We are in change of technical coordination and project management. We also have the responsibility of the development of the “Civic” component of the Digital Twin, supporting the analysis and simulation of social dynamics in the city and of the impact of societal aspects and human behaviour on the urbam transformation processes.
Links. BDT web site