2023 IEEE International Symposium on Technology and Society (ISTAS)

Client: IEEE Society on Social Implications of Technology (SSIT).

Name of event: 2023 IEEE International Symposium on Technology and Society (ISTAS)

Date: 13 -15 September 2023

The IEEE International Symposium on Technology and Society (ISTAS) is the flagship conference of the IEEE Society on Social Implications of Technology (SSIT). ISTAS is a multi-disciplinary and interdisciplinary forum for academics, policy makers, entrepreneurs, philosophers, researchers, social scientists, and technologists to collaborate, exchange experiences, and discuss the social implications of technology. IEEE ISTAS is a prestigious international conference, which rotates around the world. For 2023, Swansea University was selected has host venue.

ISTAS23 brought together contributions from a variety of perspectives, disciplines, and communities for the advancement of knowledge regarding Technology and Analytics for Global Development.

The conference’s aim is to provide a platform for engagement between academics, practitioners, and doctoral students to discuss the role and significance of technology and analytics topics related to sustainability, ethics, equity, and social values for global development.

Over the course of three days, the event was attended by more than 100 delegates from 36 countries. The program featured four keynote speakers, 67 author presentations, three plenary panels—two of which addressed climate change—three conference workshops, and one public seminar.

The organiser identified that its own ambitions align with The Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act, to improve the social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being of Wales now and establish Wales as a globally responsible nation. Wales plays a strong role in global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related research and places high importance on regional development. For example, the Wales and Africa grant scheme funds and builds projects that support learning, the exchange of skills, joint working and tackling climate change, and showcasing the mutually beneficial this partnership.

Swansea University offered an academic venue and suitable location with good transport links, from which international delegates could embrace Welsh culture and offer a true Welsh experience.

ISTAS23 showcased the best of Wales by:

• Organising a cultural event titled “Insights to the Welsh language and culture"  as part of the main conference.
• Pre gala dinner event with the world-renowned Morriston Orpheus Choir.
• Hosting a gala dinner in the Great Hall showcasing the best of local produce.
• Providing delegates with samples of local savouries such as Welsh cakes, and bara brith.
• Providing bi-lingual conference schedule and menus.

The conference website also promoted areas of interest including local galleries, the National Waterfront Museum, Swansea Market and the Dylan Thomas Centre.

From the outset, in addition to showcasing the strengths of the university, promoting Swansea and Wales, was a central activity of the conference committee and embedded within its programme.

ISTAS23 attracted submissions from authors in 37 countries and most conference delegates had never visited Wales. Conference delegates travelled from countries such as Ireland, India, Kenya, Canada, USA, France, Brazil, and Singapore.

The project has not only created a greater international awareness of Wales for business, study and tourism, and in particular cultural attractions such as The National Waterfront Museum Swansea and the Dylan Thomas Centre but has been calculated to have had a direct economic impact of around £80k.