Citizen science - science - industry: A case study in self-driving car

Abstract

The paper discusses the connection between citizen science, science and industry in the field of STEM technologies. A methodology is established for connect?ing non-expert and expert groups on certain research topics in STEM with the aim to achieve better dissemination of knowledge from universities and research laboratories and industry. On the other hand, the CS projects give the response, recommendations, opinions, etc. to new technological achievements, which should correct and direct the further scientific re?search and innovation activities. The paper gives a case study of the CS-science-industry project realized among students of Faculty of Technical Sciences of Novi Sad and experts, about self - driving car. The aim of the project was to assess the degree of acceptability of this technical solution and, in correlation with experts, to make a recommendation for finish?ing or improving this vehicle according to the requirements of future users. CS actors were informed by experts about the importance and characteristics of these vehicles, as their introduction into public transport is expected in the near future. In coordination with the experts, the CS actors formed a questionnaire in which they asked questions that should indicate the degree of acceptability of the vehicle, but also gave the opportunity to express opinions and views on the vehicle. The answers on the questionnaire were put on a MS Teams platform. The analysis of the results of the CS project pointed to the low readiness of young people to drive a self-driving car of the 5th level (without human-driver), and gave recom?mendations and ideas to experts on finishing and modifying the vehicle. The work of CS and experts enabled CS actors, as future engineers and bearers of technical progress, to realize the importance of innovation and STEM technologies, and experts to gain better insight into the reaction and opinion of non-experts about their product.