Digital Footprints: Challenges, Risks in Everyday Digital Activities

The Annual Student Innovation Challenge is organised by the Innovation Value Institute at Maynooth University’s in partnership with Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas, Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman, Deggendorf Institute of Technology, Ball State University and Aga Khan University. The challenge is part of the Innovation Value Institute Summit, hosted 10-12 June 2026.

Get Involved!
We invite small teams of 2-5 students to participate in this competition. Ideally groups can be formed as interdisciplinary and international groups, and will be mentored by an academic from one of the participating universities. To get involved contact one of the mentors listed below. Other Universities may also be invited to participate, but need to be agreed and supported by an academic/faculty member of this University. (Please contact Markus.Helfert@mu.ie, if interested)

What to do
Participating teams will explore how everyday digital activities generate visible and invisible digital footprints by describing and examining a typical day of digital engagement, such as communication, study or work, commuting, entertainment, and the use of online services. As part of this exploration, teams will identify and map the digital traces that may be generated throughout the day, including, but not limited to, mobile app usage, location and mobility data, online interactions and browsing behaviour, digital transactions, connectivity to WiFi networks, and interactions with smart or sensor-based devices. The focus of the task is on conceptual analysis and reflection, helping students understand where, how, and how quickly digital footprints are created, as well as what kinds of information may be inferred from them.
Each group will deliver a 12–15 minute online presentation. In addition, groups may choose to support their presentation with other optional formats, such as a visual digital footprint map (for example, a timeline, journey map, or diagram), a conceptual dashboard illustrating different types of digital traces and associated risks, a poster or infographic summarising key insights, or a short concept video (such as animated content, narrated slides, or a simple scenario-based video).

Background
In an increasingly digital world, individuals unknowingly generate large volumes of data through everyday actions—using mobile apps, browsing online, making payments, connecting to WiFi, or interacting with smart devices. These digital footprints reveal patterns of behaviour, habits, preferences, and sometimes deeply personal information. Much of this data is collected automatically, shared across multiple platforms, and reused for purposes that are not always visible to the individual.
The rapid and often unnoticed accumulation of such data raises significant concerns. Digital traces can expose sensitive insights, enable profiling, and create opportunities for targeted manipulation or security breaches. A lack of transparency and control further amplifies risks, leaving many people unaware of how extensively their data is captured and circulated across digital ecosystems.
With this year’s student challenge, we invite students to critically explore and reflect on the nature and implications of digital footprints, with particular attention to the challenges and risks they create in everyday life. Students are encouraged to investigate:

• How quickly and often invisibly digital traces accumulate through routine digital activities
• What kinds of personal, behavioural, or contextual information can be inferred from these traces
• How limited transparency and control over data collection and sharing may increase individual risk
• How digital footprints affect individuals’ awareness, autonomy, and trust in digital systems

The aim is to raise critical awareness, support informed reflection, and help students develop a deeper understanding of digital footprints and their consequences in an increasingly data-driven society.

Additional advice

• Use clear visuals (such as slides, diagrams, timelines, footprint maps, or infographics) to highlight key points and insights.
• Practise your delivery beforehand to ensure clarity and enthusiasm.

The presentations will be online via Microsoft Teams during the week starting 1st of June 2026.

How to Apply
Please email one of the mentors listed below by 1 March to express your interest in participating. Mentors will support the formation of teams and guide students throughout the challenge.
Ihor Liutak (ihor.liutak@nung.edu.ua)
Marian Slabinoha (marian.slabinoha@nung.edu.ua)
Olga Mozgalli (olga_stepanenko@kneu.edu.ua)
Mouzhi Ge (mouzhi.ge@th-deg.de)
Caroline Kiarie (caroline.kiarie@aku.edu)
Fred Kitchens (fkitchens@bsu.edu)
Markus Helfert (markus.helfert@mu.ie)
Azra Aryania (azra.aryania@mu.ie)
Olena Dezhuk (olena.derzhuk@mu.ie)
Joseph Timoney (joseph.timoney@mu.ie)
Zohreh Pouzolfaghar (zohreh.pourzolfaghar@mu.ie)

Timeline
Latest Date for Expression of Interest (email to mentor): 10 April
Online meeting with All teams: 10 April 2:30 PM (Irish Time) (14:30 UTC)
Presentation by each Group: 4 or 5 June