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The Public Stack: a Model to Incorporate Public Values in Technology

Public administrators, public tech developers, and public service providers face the same challenge: How to develop and use technology in accordance with public values like openness, fairness, and inclusivity? The question is urgent as we continue to rely upon proprietary technology that is developed within a surveillance capitalist context and is incompatible with the goals and missions of our democratic institutions. This problem has been a driving force behind the development of the public stack, a conceptual model developed by Waag through ACROSS and other projects, which roots technical development in public values.
The idea behind the public stack is simple: There are unseen layers behind the technology we use, including hardware, software, design processes, and business models. All of these layers affect the relationship between people and technology – as consumers, subjects, or (as the public stack model advocates) citizens and human beings in a democratic society. The public stack challenges developers, funders, and other stakeholders to develop technology based on shared public values by utilising participatory design processes and open technology. The goal is to position people and the planet as democratic agents; and as more equal stakeholders in deciding how technology is developed and implemented.
ACROSS is a Horizon2020 European project that develops open source resources to protect digital identity and personal data across European borders. In this context, Waag is developing the public stack model into a service design approach – a resource to help others reflect upon and improve the extent to which their own ‘stack’ is reflective of public values. In late 2022, Waag developed a method using the public stack as a lens to prompt reflection amongst developers. A more extensive public stack reflection process is now underway in ACROSS; resources to guide other developers through this same process will be made available later in 2023.
The public stack is a useful model for anyone involved in technology, whether as a developer, funder, active, or even passive user. In the case of ACROSS, its adoption helped project partners to implement decentralised privacy-by-design technology based on values like privacy and user control. The model lends itself to be applied just as well in other use cases:
- Municipalities can use the public stack to maintain democratic approaches to technology development and adoption in cities.
- Developers of both public and private tech can use the public stack to reflect on which values are embedded in their technology.
- Researchers can use the public stack as a way to ethically assess technology.
- Policymakers can use the public stack as a way to understand, communicate, and shape the context in which technology development and implementation occurs.
Are you interested in using the public stack in your own project, initiative, or development process? We’d love to hear about it. Let us know more by emailing us at publicstack@waag.org.
The State of the Internet 2023

On March 9 2023, it is once again time for The State of the Internet, a gathering to discuss the big issues of privacy, platformisation, self-determination and digital rights. This year's lecture will be led by writer, artist, journalist and technologist James Bridle (they/them). Bridle explores how radical technological models can decentralise power. The lecture is in English.
About James Bridle
James Bridle works as a writer, artist, journalist and technologist. Their artworks have been commissioned by galleries and institutions and exhibited worldwide. Bridle writes about literature, culture and networks and has been published in magazines and newspapers including Wired, the Atlantic, the New Statesman, the Guardian and the Financial Times.
With a background in computer science, they consider the question of what intelligence is. In the new book Ways of Being, Bridle considers the fascinating, uncanny and multiple ways of existing on Earth. They wonder what it means to be intelligent? Is it something unique to humans or do we share it with other creatures? And what can we learn from the intelligence of the natural systems that surround us?
About The State of the Internet
On 15 January 2019, Waag kicked off the first edition of The State of the Internet. Since then, we have been commemorating annually the moment when, for Amsterdam, the internet became accessible as a public domain. This year, it has been 29 years since the Digital City opened its doors and the internet became publicly accessible. During the first edition in 2019, professor of media and digital society José van Dijck delivered the lecture, zooming in on the role of platforms in our public space. In 2020, Jaap-Henk Hoepman, expert on privacy by design, addressed our digital identity. In 2021, Sennay Ghebreab spoke about bias in algorithms. In 2022 Nani Jansen Reventlow, award-winning human rights lawyer specialising in strategic litigation at the intersection of human rights, social justice and technology delivered the lecture.
Missed the previous lectures? You can find them here (all in Dutch):
- The State of the Internet 2019
- The State of the Internet 2020
- The State of the Internet 2021
- The State of the Internet 2022
The State of the Internet 2023 is organised by Waag, SIDN, the SIDN fund and the Amsterdam Public Library (OBA), Singel Uitgeverijen and De Groene Amsterdammer. For years, the SIDN Fund has supported internet initiatives that shape a strong internet in which public values are safeguarded. Money should not be a barrier in learning about ways to improve our internet. If the admission fee prevents you from attending, email puck@waag.org, so we can make sure you can attend The State of the Internet.
Climate Actions Systems is #hiring a remote Executive Director AND a remote Climate Project Manager!

Climate Action Systems is a non-profit organization uniting efforts to resolve the climate crisis by creating a powerful network of impact. Our Planet app is a platform that connects its users with people, ideas and resources to help them make progress toward their climate goals. Our mission is to reverse climate change in a single generation through the connective and catalyzing power of Planet. Our focus is on community activation—creating effective collaboration among disparate groups and individuals pursuing a climate goal that none can reach alone.
Learn more about each position below.
Executive Director description: https://lnkd.in/gCimme83
Climate Project Manager description: https://lnkd.in/gxAJYgkK
We look forward to your application 😄
Kennissessie ChatGPT

ChatGPT in het onderwijs: een bedreiging of een kans?
Een sensatie op het gebied van Artificial Intelligence, zo wordt ChatGPT door velen genoemd. Deze superslimme chatbot spuugt goedlopende lappen tekst uit en begrijpt opdrachten in gewone taal.
De technologie achter ChatGPT, ontwikkeld door het bedrijf OpenAI, is een taalmodel dat getraind werd op een enorme hoeveelheid data. Inmiddels loopt het storm en ligt de website er geregeld uit door de enorme belangstelling.
Maar wat betekent deze ontwikkeling voor ons onderwijs? ChatGPT zingt al rond in de docentenkamers van de Hogeschool van Amsterdam (HvA). Pascal Wiggers - Associate Lector Responsible AI aan de HvA - tempert de AI-toepassing als sensatie: "ChatGPT kan zeer geloofwaardige, maar niet altijd juiste antwoorden geven op willekeurige vragen. Toch lijkt de toepassing over enige zelfkennis te beschikken."
Betekent dat dat kennisvragen, samenvattingen en essays verleden tijd zijn of zal het zo’n vaart niet lopen? Of biedt ChatGPT juist hele nieuwe mogelijkheden? Wat denken AI-specialisten, onderzoekers en onderwijskundigen hiervan?
Tijd om het gesprek aan te gaan
Met elkaar én met ChatGPT! We nodigen je uit voor een kennissessie over de rol van AI in het onderwijs.
Dinsdag 24 januari 2023 | Vanaf 15:00 | HvA Jacoba Mulderhuis | Gerard van Haarlemzaal, begane grond
Meld je aan door op de link hieronder te klikken
Free Arduinoworkshop- part 1

From Januari - April, every 3th Wednesday their will be a course (workshop) to learn about arduino, electronics and creating your own products/solutions with it! The workshop starts at exactly 19h, be sure to have arduino downloaded on your computer.
But you can also work on your own projects with likeminded and discuss your challenges, or learn to work with Raspberry Pi or work on a prototype to 3Dprint etc. Manuals are available (but also on Youtube) and we have a lot of fun little projects to work on!
X-mas makersnight special

This evening we will have some Xmas-ideas and materials for you to work on, as to not only (learn to) use the machines & sensors, but also take home a souvenir (it would help if you already have Inkscape installed if you want to make the xmas tree decorations with your name in it:-)
Of course you can also work on your own projects with likeminded and discuss your challenges, or learn to work with Raspberry Pi or work on a prototype to 3Dprint etc. Manuals are available (but also on Youtube) and we have a lot of fun little projects to work on!
Smart energy services within office buildings

Smart energy services in office buildings
The theme of the last webinar in the Smart Energy Community 2022 is "the opportunities for smart energy services within office buildings".
Topics:
- Artificial Intelligence for energy efficient buildings
- Project 'hourly matching': Matching energy consumption to available electricity
- Thermal mass of office buildings as a source of flexibility
- Pulse Core: Enable installations to work together to optimize the electricity network
Register directly for December 6, 15.00 - 16.15 hours:
https://lnkd.in/dUai5GGb
More information:
https://lnkd.in/d-9xDcdx
Responsible Sensing Lab anniversary event

The Responsible Sensing Lab team invites you to their 2nd anniversary event!
At the Responsible Sensing Lab we research, develop and integrate smart technologies to help solve urban challenges. At the same time, we explore how to embed society’s public and democratic values in the design of these innovations.
On 16 February 2023 from 3.00 - 6.30 pm we will celebrate our 2nd anniversary with a hybrid event in the IJzaal of Pakhuis de Zwijger in Amsterdam.
Together with you, we'd like to reflect on our achievements since our official start and look ahead to our plans for the upcoming period. Rector Magnificus Peter-Paul Verbeek will provide a keynote. His research is centered around the relationships between humans, technology and society and focuses on philosophical analysis, ethical reflection and practices of design and innovation.
Please register so we know how many of you will join us in Amsterdam and online.
Sensemakers @OBA: Workshop 3D printing & lasercutting

Always wanted to learn to 3D-print or lasercut, as to create a practical object or a beautiful piece of art?
Join us at the Makerspace of the Public Library for a free worskhop (check the website for what you need to bring & prepare!)
Robotica en programmeren voor kinderen

Gastworkshop Stadsplein: leer programmeren met een Arduino │10 - 18 jr.
Met een Arduino bouw en programmeer je een afstand-apparaat, dat piept als je te dicht bij iemand staat. [EN] With an Arduino you build and program a remote device that beeps when you are too close to someone.
Deze herfstvakantie geeft Wail Kherrazi (14) de workshop Bouw en programmeer een corona 1,5 meter afstand-melder, in de Maakplaats van de Bibliotheek Amstelland. Je leest hier meer over Wail en zijn afstand-melder.
Wil jij leren programmeren met een Arduino? Wil jij een afstand-melder maken, onder leiding van Wail? Grijp dan je kans en neem deel aan zijn workshop op 19 oktober!
Deze workshop is echt iets voor jou als:
- je houdt van techniek
- je graag creatief bezig bent
- de workshop geschikt is voor jouw leeftijd
- je het leuk vindt om samen te werken (tip: neem je vriendjes en vriendinnetjes mee, dan is samenwerken nog leuker!)
Let op: wil je meedoen? Leuk! Vergeet je dan vooral niet aan te melden, want vol=vol!
registration can be done via: https://amstelland.op-shop.nl/466/maakplaats-stadsplein-bouw-en-programmeer-een-corona-15-meter-afstand-melder-vanaf-10-jr
New Smart Energy Community Event scheduled on October 11: in-person meetup.

Join our speed date and engage with 3 great speakers at the first in-person Smart Energy Community meetup on October 11th!
Topics Smart Energy Community October 11:
Home Energy Management Systems in practice
Now that we are installing more and more heat pumps and EV chargers in homes, there is more and more need for energy management. How does this work? How to deal with cyber security and what role do protocols play? ElaadNL developed its own showcase house where this is put into practice. Arjan Wargers of Flexiblepower Alliance Network & ElaadNL discusses the lessons learned.
Power pitch ATEPS: Energy and storage
ATEPS develops, builds and supplies systems based on batteries that store energy. Jos Theuns (ATEPS) explains how they make storage of sustainable energy accessible, safe and attractive through smarter management of electrical energy. Due to the modular construction of ATEPS systems, they are suitable for both small and larger customers.
Power pitch withthegrid: Teleport
How do you connect PV, wind, battery, EV chargers and heat pumps without losing your mind in all protocols and without cloud lock-in? Paul Mignot (Withthegrid) discusses their new innovation Teleport. This gives customers maximum insights and control over their assets in minutes.
Speed dating, networking & visit demonstration house
In the second half, connecting with other professionals is central. During these speed dating sessions, you will get to know fellow innovators, share project ideas and explore opportunities for collaboration. There will be ample opportunity for discussion after the meeting. At the same time, you can take a tour of ElaadNL's new demonstration home for smart energy services, where various smart devices are optimised for home energy management.
October 11: in-person meetup Smart Energy Community

Join our speed date and engage with 3 great speakers at the first in-person Smart Energy Community meetup on October 11th!
Topics Smart Energy Community October 11:
Home Energy Management Systems in practice
Now that we are installing more and more heat pumps and EV chargers in homes, there is more and more need for energy management. How does this work? How to deal with cyber security and what role do protocols play? ElaadNL developed its own showcase house where this is put into practice. Arjan Wargers of Flexiblepower Alliance Network & ElaadNL discusses the lessons learned.
Power pitch ATEPS: Energy and storage
ATEPS develops, builds and supplies systems based on batteries that store energy. Jos Theuns (ATEPS) explains how they make storage of sustainable energy accessible, safe and attractive through smarter management of electrical energy. Due to the modular construction of ATEPS systems, they are suitable for both small and larger customers.
Power pitch withthegrid: Teleport
How do you connect PV, wind, battery, EV chargers and heat pumps without losing your mind in all protocols and without cloud lock-in? Paul Mignot (Withthegrid) discusses their new innovation Teleport. This gives customers maximum insights and control over their assets in minutes.
Speed dating, networking & visit demonstration house
In the second half, connecting with other professionals is central. During these speed dating sessions, you will get to know fellow innovators, share project ideas and explore opportunities for collaboration. There will be ample opportunity for discussion after the meeting. At the same time, you can take a tour of ElaadNL's new demonstration home for smart energy services, where various smart devices are optimised for home energy management.
Expertise Day - All the advice you need to Ai-ccelerate your startup.

Expertise Day - all the advice you need to Ai-ccelerate your startup is happening on the 1st of August.
Join Hyperion Lab for an in-person event to get access to all the experts you need to build and accelerate your startup! 🍃
The day will consist of many workshops and trainings to teach you Product Development, Growth Marketing, Sales & Business Development, Attracting Talent, and more! 📚🙌
We will end the day with drinks and networking so you can build connections with our partners, startups, and key players in the ecosystem 🥂🥳.
Register here 👉👉: https://events.hyperionlab.nl/expertiseday
ThingsCon 2022 Summer Edition

IoT has a fluid state now; as we live and interact in an increasingly connected reality. We also see this evolving into new extremes, such as the discussions about Web3, the metaverse, and digital twins. At ThingsCon we feel the need to extend this discourse into understanding more about what is the real//real and what is virtual//real. 9 & 10 June the ThingsCon will meet again in person after two online editions in Rotterdam to exchange the latest insights and mark this new reality.
The Open Source For Public Services Conference

Join us for a day of engaging workshops and sessions on solutions, outcomes, and visions that the partner cities and universities have come across during the SCORE project.
This conference aims to bring together the SCORE and OASC community, as well as any other interested parties, in a hybrid event format in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and online worldwide.
The SCORE partners are working together to improve efficiency and quality of public service delivery based on smart, open data driven solutions. Join us for an engaging day focusing on the latest findings within such services and topics - i.e. traffic flow, pollution, drainage, flooding through the use of digital twins, dashboards, registries and more - as we wrap up the SCORE project.
Free KNX Smart Energy & IoT development workshop on June 28 – max 15 developers

KNX and FLEXCON2022 are hosting a free KNX Smart Energy & IoT development workshop on June 28, for 15 developers max.
Are you an experienced developer who wants to build Smart Energy applications? Bring your RPi’s and other Linux devices and come to Pakhuis de Zwijger in Amsterdam on June 28th !
In this 'mini-hackathon’, you will get to understand the KNX IoT development approach. You will utilize a free client-development solution to interact with the KNX installation to build Energy Management solutions for a cleaner, smarter world. Connect heatpumps, EV's, batteries and solar panels to the smart grid!
The workshop is free of charge. We have only 15 spots available, so apply now! For more information and subscription to the KNX IoT workshop on June 28:
Free KNX Smart Energy & IoT development workshop on June 28 – max 15 developers

KNX and FLEXCON2022 are hosting a free KNX Smart Energy & IoT development workshop on June 28, for 15 developers max.
Are you a developer who wants to build Smart Energy applications? Bring your RPi’s and other Linux devices and come to Pakhuis de Zwijger in Amsterdam on June 28th !
In this 'mini-hackathon’, you will get to understand the KNX IoT development approach. You will utilize a free client-development solution to interact with the KNX installation to build Energy Management solutions for a cleaner, smarter world. Connect heatpumps, EV's, batteries and solar panels to the smart grid!
The workshop is free of charge. We have only 15 spots available, so apply now! For more information and subscription to the KNX IoT workshop on June 28, check the link:
Metaverse en Amsterdam

Kom op donderdag 19 mei naar de eerste Metaverse Meetup in Amsterdam en laat je verwonderen door de nieuwe werkelijkheid van de Metaverse. Samen met experts gaan we in gesprek over welke invloed deze nieuwe dimensie van het internet kan hebben op ons leven. Het evenement is een samenwerking tussen gemeente Amsterdam en Sharing Cities Alliance.
Programma:
16.00 inloop
16.15 opening door Douwe Schmidt (Digitalisering & Innovatie, Gemeente Amsterdam) en Harmen van Sprang (co-founder Sharing Cities Alliance)
16.30 presentaties door de sprekers (info volgt)
18.00 borrel
19.00 afsluiting
Over de metaverse
Biedt de metaverse ons nieuwe kansen voor de toekomst of is het een bedreiging voor ons opgebouwde bestaan? Is het een plek van en voor ons allemaal of bepalen platformen steeds meer hoe we leven, werken en spelen? Het fenomeen metaverse spreekt tot de verbeelding van velen maar roept ook veel vragen op. Gemeente Amsterdam wil op een verantwoorde manier inspelen op deze technologische veranderingen.
Over dit evenement
Tijdens dit gratis evenement verkennen we samen met Amsterdammers hoe we de metaverse zo kunnen vormgeven dat deze een verrijking is van ons leven en van onze stad. Aan de hand van de inspirerende sprekers vanuit verschillende organisaties duiken we dieper in het thema. Elke spreker vertelt kort over zijn of haar visie en kennis over het onderwerp en gaat in gesprek met het publiek.
Na afloop drinken we met elkaar een borrel en praten we na over hoe jouw metaverse eruit ziet.
Master thesis topic IoT Computer Science
Hi, I'm a masterstudent at the Open University in the Netherlands. I'm looking for a topic for the master thesis in Computer Science.
I'm interested in IoT in combination wiht sustainability. So I think that there must be a suitable topic in relation with smart cities.
The topic should be technical. On this moment I'm doing research on a topic, so in september 2022 I can start with it.
Kunstmatige Intelligentie werklab Amsterdam

Praat en beslis mee over de toepassing van kunstmatige intelligentie in Amsterdam. Tijdens het werklab ga je in gesprek over een concrete casus over het gebruik van een sensorenregister in de stad. Hoe moeten we daar volgens jou mee omgaan?
Een extra paar ogen is soms best handig. In Amsterdam zijn er veel extra ogen: camera’s en sensoren. Deze camera’s en sensoren zijn van de gemeente, maar ook van de buurtsupermarkt, dat grote internationale bedrijf of uw buurman. Gemeente Amsterdam wil graag weten hoeveel camera’s en sensoren er in Amsterdam zijn. Het is mogelijk om met kunstmatige intelligentie data van camera’s en sensoren in kaart te brengen. Maar hoe zit het met de privacy van Amsterdammers als zulke data worden verzameld? En is het automatisch in kaart brengen van camera’s en sensoren wel een goed idee?
Wij nodigen u van harte uit voor het KI-werklab, dé plek waar Amsterdammers met elkaar nadenken over het gebruik van slimme toepassingen in de stad. Het werklab wordt georganiseerd door Netwerk Democratie.
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