Researching the multi-level domestication processes of geolocation technologies: the case of Waze Inc. in Costa Rica and abroad.

My project seeks to understand the sociotechnical processes through which digital technologies are developed, commercialised and maintained, along with their political-economic, social and cultural outcomes as they become entrenched in relevant practices within national systems of auto mobility. It follows the case of Waze’s navigation app for automobiles and the manifold processes underpinning its insertion in social life. As such, it deals with at least three distinct processes. First, it tackles the corporate trajectory of Waze Inc. as it engages in trade relations with technology industry markets, public institutions and civil society. It delves specifically into the issues of value disruption, venture capitals, media representation and corporate acquisition markets. Second, it delivers an overview of the processes of domestication within networks of institutions and individuals for whom geo-localised information about the road system and establishments of public interest are key to fulfilling the life world where (auto)mobilisation takes on meaning. Third, it explores in depth the specific domestication process led by map editors, the relationships they build with Waze Inc., and their manifold outcomes in terms of mutual learning and innovation, work and their personal lives as editors. Here I delve into the organization and governance of national communities of editors, along with the intersection of cultures, ideas and social experiences fuelling their commitment towards map edition. I argue that the above processes provide important clues about the way digital technologies get entrenched in collective action, and the way digital culture and capitalism configure forms of participation in contemporary societies. Following an interpretivist approach, the research adopts a qualitative set of techniques to gather information: content analysis of digital media articles, communities’ social media, and Waze´s news outlets; as well as semi-structured interviews to different representatives of public institutions, the community of editors and general users in Costa Rica.