Research issues in focus

Based on its research focus and programmes, the Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society is currently addressing these topics. Here you can find out more about our interdisciplinary pioneering work and activities in public discourse.

We will inform you regularly about our research activities and events.

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Current research issues in focus

Du siehst eine Tastatur auf der eine Taste rot gefärbt ist und auf der „Control“ steht. Eine bildliche Metapher für die Regulierung von digitalen Plattformen im Internet und Data Governance. You see a keyboard on which one key is coloured red and says "Control". A figurative metaphor for the regulation of digital platforms on the internet and data governance.

Data Governance

We develop robust data governance frameworks and models to provide practical solutions for good data governance policies.

Du siehst Eisenbahnschienen. Die vielen verschiedenen Abzweigungen symbolisieren die Entscheidungsmöglichkeiten von Künstlicher Intelligenz in der Gesellschaft. Manche gehen nach oben, unten, rechts. Manche enden auch in Sackgassen. Englisch: You see railway tracks. The many different branches symbolise the decision-making possibilities of artificial intelligence and society. Some go up, down, to the right. Some also end in dead ends.

Artificial intelligence and society

The future of artificial Intelligence and society operates in diverse societal contexts. What can we learn from its political, social and cultural facets?

Digitalisation and sustainability

In terms of sustainability, digitalisation faces countless opportunities and challenges. We explore how technology is used responsibly.

Du siehst eine Bibliothek mit einer runden Treppe die sich in die höhe schraubt. Sie steht sinnbildlich für die sich stetig weiterentwickelnden digitalen Infrastrukturen unserer Wissensgesellschaft. You see a library with a round staircase that spirals upwards. It symbolises the constantly evolving digital infrastructures of our knowledge society.

Open Education

We explore the use of open education & educational technology to create, share and disseminate knowledge for all in our knowledge society.

Man sieht einen leeren Büroraum ohne Möbel und braunen Teppichboden. Das Bild steht sinnbildlich für die Frage, wie die Arbeit der Zukunft und digitales Organisieren und Zukunft unseren Arbeitsplatz beeinflusst. You see an empty office room without furniture and brown carpeting. The image is emblematic of the question of how the work of the future and digital organising and the future will influence our workplace.

Future of Work & Digitalisation

How will AI and digitalisation change the future of the workplace? We assess their impact, and the opportunities and risks for the future of work.

Man sieht an mehreren Stellen gebrochenes Glas, das die komplexen und dynamischen Verhältnisse zwischen Menschen und intelligenten autonomen Systemen darstellt. You can see broken glass in several places, representing the complex and dynamic relationships between humans and intelligent autonomous systems.

Autonomy, autonomous systems and robots

Autonomous systems show the enormous influence of AI on our society. We investigate the complex relationship between humans and intelligent machines.

You see the encore magazine with its cover on a smartphone. A yellow butterfly is depicted on the cover. There is also a blue button with the text "Read online".

More research issues in focus

Man sieht in Leuchtschrift das Wort "Ethical"

Digital Ethics

Where do we currently stand on the issue of digital ethics? And what do these comprehensive changes in our actions mean for democracy?

Surveillance

The state monitors its citizens, Internet companies monitor their users - and finally we monitor ourselves and each other. Who monitors whom and why?

How COVID-19 impacts digital technologies

Will the Corona pandemic impact key subjects of digital technologies? How and why does Covid-19 affect digitalization and the internet?

Algorithmic decisions and human rights

AI has an impact on nearly all areas of life. However, automated decisions lead to difficult human rights questions. So, what's the role of law and ethics?

digital entrepreneurs look at a computer screen

Digital innovation and entrepreneurship

In our dossier we look at concrete activities and strategies of SMEs in terms of digital innovation. What exactly do successful digitisation projects look like in medium-sized companies?

GDPR – what’s beyond?

New rights for consumers, new obligations for businesses: European data protection law will receive a massive update, as the EU’s general data protection regulation will enter into force on 25 May 2018.

How metaphors shape the digital society

Cloud, big data, virus are terms taken for granted in debates about digital technologies. Yet they are metaphors that come from other areas.