Speaker
Description
The accelerating processes of digital and energy transformation are fundamentally reshaping contemporary societies, economies, and governance systems. While technological innovation and the transition to sustainable energy are essential for long-term development, their success increasingly depends on the level of public trust. In this context, trust emerges as a critical factor and a central mechanism linking technological advancement with societal acceptance and sustainability outcomes.
Growing concerns related to data privacy, algorithmic opacity, misinformation, and perceived inequalities in energy access challenge public trust and, consequently, the legitimacy of institutional and corporate actors, as well as broader systems of governance and security. The discussion is positioned within an interdisciplinary framework that integrates perspectives from technological sciences, communication studies, and sustainability governance. The present study aims to examine the key components of public trust, as well as the factors generating uncertainty in the context of technological transformation.
The author’s contribution lies in advancing the existing scholarly debate on the social dimensions of technological transformation by offering practical insights for experts and organizations seeking to align innovation with societal expectations through trust-based approaches.