Academic degree: MSSc (Sociology), BSSc (Sociology)
Robin Lybeck is a researcher, university teacher, and inclusion specialist with a background in urban sociology. Currently he is working as an expert in the Horizon RIA project CULTURATI - Customized games and routes for cultural heritage and arts. He is also enrolled as doctoral candidate in sociology at Åbo Akademi University, where his forthcoming dissertation explores the mediatization of societal participation and digital inequality in participatory contexts.
In recent years, Robin’s work has also included research in cultural heritage sites and tourism, with an emphasis on how digital tools and visitor engagement strategies can enhance cultural experiences. His recent publications in Haaga-Helias eSignals Pro include The Potential of AI for Visitor Management at Culturally Rich Destinations (2025) and Enriching Cultural Tourism by Gamification (2024).
Robin has also conducted research in artificial intelligence and machine learning, particularly their applications in participatory contexts. His earlier work spans social movements, media studies, innovative pedagogy, and civic engagement, and he has presented at major international conferences such as EGOV-CeDEM-ePart, ISA World Congress, and Living Knowledge Conference.
In addition to his research, Robin has extensive teaching experience, including course design and teaching of digital social change, sociological theory, and research methodologies.
Publications
Lybeck, R., Koiranen, I., & Koivula, A. (2024). From digital divide to digital capital: The role of education and digital skills in social media participation. Universal Access in the Information Society, 23(4), 1657-1669. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10209-022-00961-0
Lybeck, R. (2018). Mobile participation in urban planning; Exploring a typology of engagement. Planning Practice & Research, 33(5), 523-539. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02697459.2018.1534579
Lybeck, R., Rönnqvist, S., & Ruoppila, S. (2018). Sentiment in Citizen Feedback: Exploration by Supervised Learning International Conference EGOV-CeDEM-ePart 2018, September 3 - 5, Danube University Krems. URL: https://research.abo.fi/en/publications/sentiment-in-citizen-feedback-exploration-bysupervised-learning
Blog texts in eSignals
Lybeck, R., & Ascenção, M. P. (2025). The potential of AI for visitor management at culturally rich destinations. eSignals PRO.
Ascenção, M. P., Lybeck, R., & Horn, S. (2024). Enriching cultural tourism by gamification. eSignals PRO.
