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Mission expressed in action

 

Swarmcheck

Supporting collective decision-making in public policy and business
 

Our flagship project is the Swarmcheck application, which enables easier collective knowledge collection and analysis through a proprietary methodology of computer-based argumentation mapping. This system supports research and strategy-making so that multiple perspectives are taken into account and conclusions are rationally drawn. Our team of experts supports and moderates group discussions for intelligent communication and group rational decision-making. Together with friendly partner organisations, we activate interest groups by initiating public discussions and training at the interface of science, technology and ethics.

 

Fake off

Development of competences for critical use of information and countering disinformation on the Internet 
 
In today's world, the problem of disinformation, which means deliberate dissemination of false or manipulated information taken out of context, has become commonplace. False content appearing on the Internet is everyone's daily bread. Unfortunately, widespread disinformation can have harmful effects and negatively influence the behaviour or decisions of its recipients. Therefore, it is extremely important to develop critical thinking skills which allow us to independently assess the merits of the content we absorb. This is particularly important for young people, who spend a lot of time online and draw a lot of information from it and because of this are particularly exposed to the influence of fake news.

The project is financed by the City of Warsaw.
 

Around science

Free workshops to develop critical thinking
 

At school, a lot is taught about the results of specific sciences - about various theories in physics, biology or sociology. However, it is rarely taught about how these theories arise and how to interpret them. Without this knowledge, it is difficult to develop the ability to evaluate new information independently. The workshop series Around Science in 7 Days is designed to fill this gap and develop key competences in today's information environment.

 

Think like a scientist

Popularising the philosophy of science through argumentative graphs
 

For someone who does not deal with science on a daily basis, the scientific process can seem something mysterious and distant. To overcome this, we have decided to introduce the mechanisms of scientific knowledge formation argument by argument. By discussing the argumentation graphs, everyone can join the discussion about scientific methods, the social role of science and trace the dynamics of the collective creation of reliable knowledge.

 

Synergic Rybnik

Workshop on civic vision, strategy and the development of Rybnik
 

Rybnik, like many other Silesian cities, is facing serious civilisation challenges. Some of these are related to the climate and poor air quality (air pollution standards here have already been exceeded by 3126% - this sad record was set in January 2017), some to EU policies, the energy transition and mine closures. Others, meanwhile, relate to the migration of residents and the significant exodus of young people to larger cities....

 

Handbook on cooperation between NGOs and the Municipality of Kraków

Guide for non-governmental organisations on the possibilities of cooperation with the Municipality of Kraków.

Public task financed by the City of Kraków.

 

Kraków is a dynamically developing, culturally and socially diverse city. In order to fully develop its potential, taking into account the interests of all social groups, it is extremely important for the local government to cooperate effectively with the broadly understood third sector. Cooperation based on a reliable diagnosis of the needs and problems of the inhabitants, promoting activity and grassroots initiatives. Cooperation that gives non-governmental organisations, which are important representatives of the local community, real influence in shaping public policies. Cooperation that contributes to building a strong civil society.

To meet these needs, the Municipality of Kraków commissioned the development of a "Guide for NGOs on the possibilities of cooperation with the Municipality of Kraków".

 

Plan of cooperation between NGOs and the Municipality of Kraków

Assumptions development for the Long-Term Programme of Cooperation of the Municipality of Krakow with non-governmental organisations for 2023-2026 together with an evaluation of the cooperation of the City of Kraków with non-governmental organisations in 2018-2021.

Public task financed from the funds of the City of Kraków.

 

The task of local governments in Poland is to ensure that cooperation with NGOs is purposeful and tailored to the needs of both sides. To achieve this, programme documents are created which define the principles of the policy implemented by the public administration body towards the non-governmental sector. The current Long-Term Cooperation Programme of the Municipality of Kraków with non-governmental organisations is planned for the years 2019-2022, however efforts are already underway to outline the assumptions for a similar document for the years 2023-2026. The implementation of the Programme is expected to contribute to increasing the participation and involvement of non-governmental organisations in the development of Kraków and improving the quality of life of its residents.

 

Study on the condition of the NGO sector in the Mazovian Voivodeship

Public task financed from the funds of the Marshal's Office of the Mazovian Voivodeship.


 

An important element in building local policies is cooperation with non-governmental organisations (the so-called third sector), which not only carry out public tasks but also participate in the process of diagnosing needs and designing solutions for the local community. The ongoing study of the condition of the third sector is aimed at providing information which will serve to build a long-term programme of cooperation between the Marshal's Office of the Mazovian Voivodeship and non-governmental organisations. Building the programme on the assumptions formulated on the basis of the research analysis will contribute to the establishment of effective and satisfactory co-operation between the Mazovian Voivodeship self-government and the organisations from the third sector.

 

Digital transformation support in agriculture and industry in the Radom district


Public task co-financed from the budget of the Mazovian Voivodeship.

 

The industrial and agricultural sectors in the Radom district are developing rapidly. In order to keep up with the ongoing market changes and remain competitive, Polish companies cannot forget about digital transformation. 

To help them in this difficult task, in partnership with the Future Industry Platform Foundation (FIPF), we will conduct a series of workshops with local entrepreneurs in the Radom district. In the next step, to address the individual challenges of each project participant, FIPF experts will conduct individual counselling sessions.

The knowledge gained during the project will be used to develop a digital transformation handbook taking into account the local context of the Radom district.

 

Kraków Transport Panel

Public task financed by the City of Kraków.

 

A citizens' panel is an in-depth form of public consultation. Through an exchange of opinions, a diagnosis of needs and a multi-voice dialogue between the parties, it is possible to develop solutions that are beneficial to all panellists.

The Kraków Transport Panel addresses the issue of sustainable transport in the city. The consultation covers topics such as efficient and economic transport, urban space management and the environmental impact of vehicles. The aim of the panel is to develop recommendations for the city's future transport policy.

 

Completed projects

 

Open sets

A series of unconferences that address topics that are socially important but, for various reasons, not very visible in public discourse. The interactive formula of the meetings always puts the conversation at the forefront, so that even on difficult topics, we were able to learn a lot from each other.

The board game The Call of Reason

By exploring ways to learn argumentation effectively, we have created a board game that, at successive levels, teaches how to recognise arguments and fallacies in argumentation, how to counter-argue and how to discuss using argumentation mapping.

Invisible assets

People with visual impairments can be great employees. However, a significant number of employers tend to focus on the difficulties, unaware of the many advantages associated with employing such people. The project aimed to bring home the rationale behind recognising this value.

 

Draft of electoral law


Democracy
gives us the chance to participate in shaping public life, to select the best ideas and to protect ourselves from tyranny. However, not all electoral systems maximise these values. We propose a new look at electoral law that could change the negative aspects of election campaigns, political discussion or the problem of rational ignorance.

Mapping the arguments about the future of the labour market

Today's labour market is changing dynamically through processes of automation and the implementation of new technologies. Many experts warn of the phenomenon of technological unemployment, and the current education system does not train the right competences to navigate the future labour market. We have mapped out the arguments to consider when learning about this complex topic.

Project: Survival


We have created an interactive gamebook (paragraph game) that teaches the competences of the future through the storyline adventure and the decisions made by the player in it. Educational games can be an effective way of lifelong learning and acquiring the competences necessary to find one's place in the future labour market.

Contact us if you would like to work together.


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 Fundacja Optimum Pareto
ul. Celna 6/9, Kraków 30-507
fundacja@optimumpareto.com