menneskedreven

Menneskedreven is a Danish adjective meaning “human‑driven” or “human‑centric.” It is used to describe systems, policies, or approaches that place human needs, values, or interactions at the forefront. The compound is formed from “menneske” (person) and “drevet” (driven), and it is common in discourse on ethics, design, and public policy.

In the context of technology, a menneskedreven approach to artificial intelligence emphasizes algorithms that are transparent, accountable and aligned with human values, rather than purely optimizing performance metrics. The concept is closely related to human‑centered design and user‑experience research, and it contrasts with technological determinism, which assumes that technology shapes society independently of human intent. Scholars in Scandinavian social sciences often use the term to critique neoliberal models that prioritize efficiency over well‑being.

Menneskedreven is also applied in organizational management, where it denotes leadership styles and decision‑making processes that prioritize employee welfare, democratic participation and social responsibility. Policies described as menneskedreven typically incorporate mechanisms such as participatory budgeting, stakeholder consultations and impact assessments that aim to anticipate negative social effects.

The term gained wider visibility during the 2010s as public debates about data protection, algorithmic bias and work automation grew. In Danish media it is often invoked when discussing regulation of the gig economy, the future of work and the ethical use of biometric technologies. The phrase is frequently translated into English as “human‑driven” or “human‑centric,” and is similarly used in Norwegian and Swedish, reflecting shared linguistic roots.

See also: Human‑centered design, ethical AI, participatory governance.