The Journey from Liverpool to Norrköping: Taking Action to Challenge Technology Blindness Concerning Sustainability

Abstract

The paper is written in the spirit of finding new ways of supporting PATT colleagues in their sustainability work, to model strategies of multidisciplinary academic collegiality and, above all, to try to do better for the planet.

In conversation at PATT40 in Liverpool, the authors discussed a shared concern – the perception of an absence of technological discourse regarding sustainability and a reciprocal absence of sustainability discourse regarding technologies.  This paper describes the authors’ initial conversations, the strategies undertaken to build a collegial network, applying for funding, and the outcomes to date of the project. 

The first stage of the journey involved identifying the problem through literature reviews, exploring international reports and discussing the issue with colleagues from beyond the PATT community. Three conclusions quickly emerged.  First, that our initial concern was justified; second, that a multidisciplinary approach was essential; and third that funding would be needed to facilitate deeper and broader discussions with others.

We developed a draft of the problem and a call to action.  These became the first version of the Blindspot Declaration.  The work behind the Declaration gave the basis for both a funding application and a one-page document with which to approach potential participants.  Professors external to the field of Technology Education were invited to critique the draft as well as to nominate colleagues who might identify with its intentions.

Over time, a group of co-participants was identified for their academic alignment with the concerns and their willingness to take action in line with the Declaration.  In June 2025, ten academics from a range of disciplines and countries met for two days to discuss, refine and (mostly) ratify the Declaration. The Declaration is written to stimulate ongoing discussions, critique, and actions – together, addressing technology blindness concerning sustainability.