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Connection, network, union, relations, bonds, division, isolation, disconnection …
The world that surrounds us is both interlinked everywhere, at the same time, weak connections create friction at every corner. Be it internet connection or connection between people. Our lack of connection to nature creates issues within our ecosystems, our connection to food mends our relationship with it. In the age of social media, we experience a paradoxical loneliness epidemic. With a rise in technology meant to connect us, we feel more disconnected than ever.
Humans belong together, it is an evolutionary fact. We need to connect to survive. We seek connection everywhere, at the same time disconnection also occurs everywhere. Right now, the effects of disconnection comes with an array of issues, often in such a subtle way that they are easily overlooked. I argue that all crises stems from the fact that we are not able to come together in a meaningful way, or that we are not able to connect with the world around us. Imagine if we felt more connected to the nature surrounding us, maybe our detrimental encroachment would have been stopped.
We connect and disconnect in many ways, and in this issue of Teknovatøren we have asked our writers to explore some aspects of what it means to be connected, or disconnected. Through examples ranging from electricity grids, prisons, music and nature, among more, the reality of the importance of unity and networks is illustrated. Both in Science and Technology Studies and in Innovation Studies, we aim to study the synergic relationship that exists between all connection in networks and systems.
This issue also comes in a very exciting year for the TIK-center. I have had the honor of being editor while the TIK 25th anniversary is
being celebrated. One say that the brain is first fully developed at 25, so is this the beginning of TIKs adulthood? We will not try to answer that.
This issue takes a look back at the origins of the TIK Center, the journey of one of the most renowned publications, and we’ve even delved into the Teknovatøren archives to reintroduce some classic columns.
Teknovatøren has for long time been a way to connect students and faculty at TIK, and also TIK and other students at UiO and beyond. It has been an honor being the editor of this edition during such an exciting year for the center. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the talented writers featured in this issue, our exceptional editorial board, our gifted illustrator, our brilliant designer, and, of course, the TIK Center. I am immensely proud of what we have created, and I hope you find this issue engaging, thought-provoking, and inspiring.
Enjoy!
Vilde Meinseth Løbersli
Executive Editor
