Constructing the future: the interplay of dominant and alternative sociotechnical imaginaries in shaping Poland’s digital policy

ABSTRACT

The aim of the project is to examine how decision-makers and key stakeholders imagine Poland’s technological future, and how these visions (so-called sociotechnical imaginaries) influence the shaping of the country’s digital policy. The study will focus on analyzing both dominant and alternative visions of Poland’s digital development.

The research centers on the perspectives of individuals who hold real influence over the shaping of Poland’s digital reality. Interviews will be conducted with senior representatives of key institutions such as ministries, state research institutes, regulatory bodies, technology corporations, and non-governmental organizations. The study includes 30 interviews, complemented by a content analysis of documents (strategies, reports, and regulations) that define the framework of Poland’s digital policy.

The project addresses four significant gaps in the scholarly literature. First, existing research on sociotechnical imaginaries has primarily focused on the energy and biotechnology sectors, largely overlooking digital technologies. Second, Central and Eastern Europe, including Poland, has been underrepresented in studies on how technological futures are envisioned. Third, prior analyses have mostly focused on institutions and policy documents, neglecting the role of individual actors who directly shape digital policy. Fourth, there is a lack of studies comparing dominant visions (held by the state) with alternative ones (held by companies and civil society actors).

The project not only aims to fill these gaps, but also to show how future-oriented imaginaries
influence practical action; that is, how they guide investment and technological development,
define the scope of digitalization strategies, and shape cooperation with the European Union. The project will contribute new insights to academic discussions on digital policymaking. Its results will be valuable not only to the academic community but also to practitioners: policymakers, experts, and civil society organizations. The findings will help improve understanding of how different visions of the technological future influence decision-making, supporting more responsible digital governance.