Topic 4 Knowledge for Action

Its aims are to better understand the interdependencies between technological and social change in this field and to create a knowledge base that helps innovation actors shape the digital transformation.

New information technologies open numerous new possibilities in almost every aspect of modern society. However, they have also created new challenges: E.g., the high dependence on digital information and communication technologies in infrastructures, such as the energy supply system, the mobility system, or information processing and storage capacities in many fields may create new threats to security and privacy. Furthermore, the whole transformation processes may have huge implications for employment, inclusion, and distributive justice, which could develop into causes for future social conflicts.

Research in this topic is therefore rooted in the fundamental recognition that technology and society mutually influence each other. It aims to enhance our understanding of this coevolution process, and to contribute to shaping the advance of digitalization and the digital transformation, and making use of its outcomes with respect to social needs, expectations and ethical values.