Dr Richard Whittle
Faculty of Social Science, Humanities and the Arts for People and the Economy (BN)
Current positions
Professor of Artificial Intelligence & Public Policy
Biography
I am an economist working at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence, Behavioural Science and Decision Making. I am an expert in the impact of Artificial Intelligence on Universities, sludge, behavioural design and dark patterns. My work focuses on supporting individuals, organisations and regulators in adopting and understanding the impacts of new technology. I contextualize digital transformation within its wider political economy and use a behavioural science lens, with a focus on understanding, adaption and resilience.
I have published in world-leading journals, including Public Administration and Work, Employment and Society, I led the technical research on the retail economy for the Greater Manchester Independent Prosperity Review, and conducted the financial ‘rules of thumb’ research for the UK’s Money Advice Service. This research programme directly informed the HM Treasury and FCA Financial Advice Marker Review. I have been awarded research funding from numerous sources including the ESRC, Research England, UKRI, the NHS and GMCA.
I sit on a variety research council awarding panels, am a member of the West Yorkshire Scientific Advisory Group, advise the Manchester Digital Strategy and have been awarded a visiting fellowship at the International Public Policy Observatory, University College London.