Tracks & Topics
Tracks
Tracks are general categories which you can assign your submission to. All Tracks are already set when the Call for Participation (CfP) is launched.
Science & Education
How do digital technologies change the way we learn, teach, research and share knowledge? How are scientific fields and research topics evolving? In this category, we would like to hear from education professionals, scientists, researchers, academics and students - from established institutions to citizen science initiatives. In particular, we’re looking forward to sessions presenting current research findings, reflections on educational and scientific methodologies, as well as technology reviews. We are interested in open science, open research, open labs, and open publishing, experiences in using digital devices in educational contexts, as well as biotech, nanotechnology and astrophysics.
Media & Journalism
In this Track we want to hear about the state of digital media freedom, the change of public spheres, the effects of fake news, the change of media landscapes and the evolution of social media, about video platforms and other forms of online expression and entertainment. We invite media professionals, journalists, bloggers, storytellers, and citizen journalism projects of all kinds to share their insights, research and experiences. We’d love to see contributions from investigative journalists presenting their findings, from hashtag campaign initiators, from social media analysts and influencers.
Politics & Society
Reflections on the change of societies and political dynamics due to digitization are at the core of the re:publica programme. We are interested in shifting power balances, in societal change and civic digital action. At re:publica we want to talk about what we need to do for a free and open Internet as it relates to the shifting political paradigms on the continent: we want to explore the intersections of technology with politics and society – challenging and advancing new norms, especially for the tech-savvy generation on the continent. For instance, we aim to discuss surveillance technologies, data and privacy protection, Internet shutdowns, net neutrality, community networks, the effects of AI on society, digital disobedience, as well as new governance and political/societal organising models aided by digital technologies. We invite activists, civil society representatives, researchers and other people experienced in these topics to help us examine the interplay of technology and society, on a philosophical level as well as on the day-to-day basis. We’ll explore the opportunities of civic tech and debate the state of Internet freedom - based on your contributions.
Questions we would like to see tackled include how do social media platforms influence the shaping of political opinions? How are movements and communities for Internet freedom, digital democracy and open data developing? What social and legislative processes should be initiated to regulate ever accelerating automation? Can the blockchain deliver on its promise of revolutionizing governance processes? How are technologies impacting the thinking and (re)shaping of politics and society in Africa?
Arts & Culture
Digital technologies are changing our every day culture in a multitude of ways and digital art is a broad topic ranging from remixes and GIFs, to virtual reality. The questions we would like to address in this category are broad as well: What can libraries do to close the digital gap? What are the latest developments in VR and what impacts will they have on us as a society? How is the distribution and consumption of music and other media changing? How are our personal interactions and societal values changing? We would like to discuss open approaches in cultural institutions, the opening of archives, creative activism, as well as collaborations between the maker scene, programmers, and artists. This thematic cross-road invites artists, cultural experts, representatives of cultural institutions and researchers, to contribute to this category - we welcome installations, performances, exhibitions, workshops and other contributions at least as much as a talk or panel. Your session can be anything from a Bingo to a theater piece.
Business & Innovation
This Track is all about the future of work, digital economy, new business models, and the role of innovation and entrepreneurship in our societies. We want to know: How is innovation changing the way we travel and trade? What could future means of cooperation be? Is digitization really helping economies leapfrog? We want to talk about platform economy and startup scenes - especially their impact on social sectors and the delivery of public services - but also about the effects of automation, the Internet of Things, entrepreneurial culture and its effects on society. We are interested in hearing reports, analyses, research findings or other data driven reflections on these topics.
Topics
Topics are key themes that help us set a specific focus.
Tech for Good
The Topic "Tech for Good" looks for inspiring contributions and asks: Does digitization provide access to education for all? Are start-ups able to save the world? Will smart sensors and apps increase the efficiency in agriculture? How can for example big data, blockchain or open source software solutions contribute to greater efficiency, transparency and equality worldwide?
The sessions can provide examples of solutions and success stories, but also discuss the challenges and risks associated with digital change. We would like to provide a stage amongst others to visionaries, techies, makers, developers, experts, innovators and creative minds from the African continent for an open dialog on the digital transformation at the re:publica Accra and include insights from across the globe. Be part and shape the global digital future!
As the main partner German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) supports re:publica Accra and the Topic ‘Tech for Good’.