Saarland relies on innovative data: SOUNDS revolutionizes social research!

Saarland relies on innovative data: SOUNDS revolutionizes social research!

The Saarland state government today announced the launch of the “Societal Observatory Using Novel Data Sources (SOUNDS)” competence center, which is supported with 29 million euros from the transformation fund. The aim is to create scientific knowledge and economic impulses for the Saarland economy. SOUNDS will focus on evaluating untapped data sources such as satellite imagery, smartphone tracking and social media, which are often not adequately considered in traditional social science studies. These new approaches promise real-time analysis that goes far beyond the capabilities of time-consuming surveys.

The urge to include innovative data sources arose not least from the findings of the “AI, Computing & Society” research project. Saarland University reports that the new initiative will also function as a “think-and-do tank” that aims to develop practical solutions. In the past, social science studies often relied on expensive surveys that could only provide snapshots. SOUNDS is now planning to develop so-called digital socioscopes that enable a more comprehensive analysis of social changes.

Interdisciplinary approaches and new technologies

A key component of SOUNDS is interdisciplinary collaboration between computer science, humanities and social sciences. A new Interdisciplinary Institute for Social Computing (I2SC) was founded two years ago to use computer-based methods in these areas. It is crucial that computer science develops algorithms that are adapted to social issues in order to be able to correctly evaluate relevant data.

Minister Jakob von Weizsäcker emphasizes the great importance of the center for the transformation of Saarland. The new analysis tools are intended to support both the private sector and the public sector in strategic decisions. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of social media, which represents excellent data sources for social and political issues. SOUNDS will also critically consider data protection aspects and possible distortions of the data.

Promoting research and education

The funding from SOUNDS is also used to advertise professorships in future-relevant topics. A graduate school and a certificate program for social computing are also being planned. The goal is to intensify cooperation with various actors from politics, business and society. Previous research projects, such as analyzes of population movements in Ukraine and Venezuela, already show the versatility and relevance of such data analyses.

In summary, the new competence center represents an important step towards enriching the Saarland research landscape and finding answers to pressing social questions. The approach of analyzing unused data sources could be of considerable value not only for science, but also for the development of innovative business models and data-based advice for politics and administration.