The Data Technology and Secure Societies research group at the Western Norway Research Institute operates at the intersection of people, advanced data technologies, and public institutions to build a safer, more resilient digital future. We investigate how advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, IoT, and cloud architectures function within real-world organizational and societal contexts.

Our core focus is delivering human-centered, ethical, and privacy-aware solutions that advance total preparedness and strengthen public trust.

Key Focus Areas

• Socio-Technical Resilience & Societal Security: Designing robust systems capable of absorbing shocks, mitigating risks, and supporting critical infrastructure during crises and operational disruptions.

• Total Preparedness & Crisis Management: Applying data-driven strategies to enhance emergency response, crisis communication, and long-term societal preparedness across transport, mobility, cybersecurity, energy, and agricultural sectors.

• Responsible AI & Data Governance: Developing transparent, fair, and privacy-preserving AI models aligned with ethical standards, democratic principles, and legal frameworks.

• Data-Driven Public Services: Optimizing digital government services to ensure they are accessible, secure, user-centric, and aligned with public values.

Impact & Collaboration

Through interdisciplinary research, living labs, and real-world pilots, we bridge cutting-edge digital innovation with societal needs. We actively collaborate with leading academic institutions, industry partners, businesses, and public administration to drive innovation in Big Data and Artificial Intelligence across Norway and Europe. Guided by the UN Sustainable Development Goals, our work directly contributes to building resilient communities, safeguarding critical institutions, and driving a responsible digital transformation.