The relationship between science, technology and society during the Covid-19 pandemic
The case of Contact Tracing in Canada
Student names (alphabetical order): Yomna Abdelkawy, Vincent Cote-Gilbert, Jesse Halikas, Amanda Kolopanis, Joanna Lin
Supervisor: Gita Ghiasi
Course: ENGR-392-2202-EE
Abstract
Contact tracing is a technology that has great potential in keeping Canadians safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Working best when used by many individuals who input their real-time health conditions, this technology allows anyone who has tested positive to alert their community. The emphasis of this study was to understand and identify the societal implications of contact tracing technology in Canada by researching involved institutions. A bibliometric analysis was conducted to examine the keywords, publications, patents, companies, and socio-economic data of the topic of interest, with the help of two specialized databases and tools such as controlled terms, IPCs, and NAICs. This data was then analyzed to determine how it relates to the social implications of this technology. Our findings indicate most industries associated with contact tracing have hindered operations during the pandemic. However, the development of this technology could contribute to an increase in employment in the discovered industries. This finding is especially useful for the Canadian government’s decision-making process for funding. It is in industries’ best interest to be transparent about this technology while continuing to invest in it and allowing its progression.