Citizen Science and Its Role in the Digital Economy

In a TEDx talk titled “Citizen Science: Everybody Counts,” Caren Cooper, a professor and researcher at North Carolina State University, USA, and a strong advocate of citizen science, invites us to imagine a world where science is visible and accessible. She acknowledges the tremendous collective power that people have in scientific discovery when they share data or observations. Citizen science challenges us to rethink how knowledge is created, who creates it, and where it happens. It’s about the power of crowds, where everyone contributes. According to Caren Cooper, science is not just for professional scientists. There are numerous ways in which anyone can get involved and contribute. To understand this perspective, it’s helpful to go back in time to the beginnings of research.

Citizen Science: A Brief History

The term “citizen science” was first defined in the mid-90s by British sociologist Alan Irwin, who believed that “developing concepts of scientific citizenship emphasizes the need to open scientific processes and policies to the public.” Irwin sought to highlight two aspects of the relationship between citizens and science: science should respond to citizens’ concerns and needs, and citizens themselves could produce reliable scientific knowledge. On the other hand, American ornithologist Rick Bonney, unaware of Irwin’s work, defined “citizen science” through projects where non-scientists voluntarily contribute scientific data.

There are three periods in modern science history relevant to the historical context of citizen science. Modern science began in the 17th century, before the term “scientist” was used, when anyone who could observe and demonstrate a subject of interest was a “citizen scientist.” This was the formative period, where methods were developed and scientific societies were founded. This was followed by the professionalization of science in the 19th century, during which citizen science evolved into the form we recognize today in fields like biological data recording or meteorological observations. One of the first examples of modern citizen science was launched by ornithologist Wells W. Cooke, who enlisted amateur observers to collect data on bird migration. His initiative evolved into the North American Bird Phenology Program, managed by the government. One of the longest-running citizen science projects is the Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count, launched in 1900, with over 64 million birds counted annually as part of this project.

Citizen science projects have repeatedly demonstrated the value of public involvement in scientific research. In an increasingly digitalized world, these projects have the potential to further transform how science is done, opening doors for active participation from citizens of all social and professional backgrounds. Thus, in the 21st century, we speak of open science, which includes open access, open data, open-source software, and the sharing of research methodologies. This is a time when science is reopening to a broad spectrum of people.

The Expansion of Citizen Science in the Digital Age

The COVID-19 pandemic unexpectedly accelerated the expansion of citizen science. Emerging digital technologies and accessible equipment propelled citizen science to the forefront of research. New technologies provide innovative possibilities for continuous and efficient measurement, essential for metropolitan areas in their post-COVID-19 economic recovery efforts. For example, during the “Urban Mobility Days” conference, European experts debated how new technologies could revolutionize mobility planning. The event, held on a virtual platform, became a hub for deliberating the future of cities and regions. As face-to-face research was abruptly interrupted by the pandemic, these technologies proved essential.

Although new technologies offer significant opportunities, their use is not always simple. Online forums require certain skill levels, financial resources, and physical abilities, excluding some groups, such as seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income communities. It is essential for participants, the public, and decision-makers of all ages and abilities to be involved in using these technologies. Failing to do so risks generating incomplete data. Technical issues, variations in digital skills, and limited time for participants continue to pose challenges for citizen science projects, potentially inhibiting future research.

Like all innovative activities characterizing the digital economy, citizen science would not be possible without the widespread adoption of smartphones and web 2.0 platforms, which enabled instant, continuous interconnection globally, mass collaboration, and crowdsourcing. Thus, in the digital economy, there is a continuous, real-time, global connection that works bidirectionally between the need to answer scientific questions and the capacity to provide answers.

Citizen science projects, also known as “public participation in scientific research,” have become increasingly important for advancing science in recent years. Although the data obtained are well-verified and generally accessible to the public, only a small proportion of this data (approximately 12% in biodiversity-related projects, for example) ends up being published in a scientific journal. Nevertheless, such projects have led to remarkable scientific discoveries. Notable examples include the decoding of an Ice Age proto-writing system and an early lunar calendar by amateur archaeologist Ban Bacon, who analyzed cave paintings from Europe, or the discovery of a lost NASA satellite by amateur astronomer Scott Tilley. An outstanding initiative is the EarthEcho Water Challenge, in which volunteers from over 140 countries monitor water quality. These projects underscore the importance of citizen contributions to the success of large-scale scientific research.

Case Study: The ChargeConnect Project Implemented by Green eDIH and BPA Target

The ChargeConnect project is an emblematic example of how citizen science initiatives can stimulate innovation and contribute to creating a sustainable future. Implemented by Green eDIH in collaboration with one of its founding members, BPA Target, the project was selected for funding under the IMPETUS program. This program provides grants, mentorship, and training support to foster the development of innovative projects that promote sustainable lifestyles.

ChargeConnect seeks to engage citizens in the research and development of innovative digital solutions that support the transition to a green economy. One of the main objectives is to collect and analyze data on electric vehicle use to identify ways to optimize and standardize charging networks. Citizens are invited to participate in the project as volunteer researchers, contributing to data collection and validation. Through this direct involvement, citizens help develop innovative solutions based on collected data, gaining a better understanding of the impact of their behavior on the environment.

The mixed team involved in the project aims to recruit over 2,000 participants, gathering a considerable amount of valuable data to develop predictive models and efficient technological solutions. The collected data will be analyzed to identify patterns and trends in the use of electric vehicles and charging infrastructure and to create interactive visualizations that help educate and inform the general public.

The project, through the collaboration between Green eDIH and BPA Target, illustrates the power of citizen science in driving innovation and promoting a sustainable lifestyle. Active citizen involvement in the research process not only enriches the quality of the collected data but also strengthens community commitment to sustainable development goals. Through this project, Green eDIH and BPA Target demonstrate how strategic partnerships and community engagement can generate innovative, sustainable solutions to contemporary challenges.

You can learn more about the evolution of the ChargeConnect project here: https://bpatarget.com/chargeconnect-mapping-the-path-to-smarter-ev-charging/

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