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Research for the digital society

Global, interdisciplinary, in dialogue.

The institute's DNA

News from the institute

Interview

Technological infrastructures create dependencies

HIIGster Theresa Züger talks about the non-profit use of AI (in German).

Vietnam

Research Sprint – Exciting Events at Closing Week

The research sprint in Vietnam is slowly coming to an end and we are eagerly awaiting the Closing Week where we will finally meet all the fellows in person. We have great events planned, among…

Kenya

Towards a Fairer Online Platform Economy

On November 9th we will hold a two-part event in Nairobi, Kenya on Workers’ Rights and Platforms’ Responsibility. The first part of the event consists of an invitation-only multi-stakeholder dialogue with a focus on labour…

KE:D

Digitalisation Hub: Call for Cases extended!

The Knowledge Exchange :// Digitalisation (KE:D) hub will open soon and is looking for its first cases. Become a part of the place to go for exploring digitalisation projects and share your case with us now! The…

Policy Paper

Civic Coding

We have developed 16 recommendations for policy action to promote public interest AI in a sustainable way (in German).

Mexiko

Research Sprint: Kick Off

Our Research Sprint on Green Technologies, Entrepreneurship & Climate starts today. For the next 7 weeks, 12 Fellows from different countries will work together to explore the green technology ecosystem in the Global South, with…

Call for Founders: What has to change?

Are you a founder in Germany, or do you know one? Here is your chance to say what is going wrong. Describe one hurdle that cost you time or money and name the rule you would scrap. It takes five minutes – no solution needed. Send it in by 30 October.

Tell us what’s broken

Upcoming events

Further events

  • Oct
    28
    Digitaler Salon: Blindflug?
    Digitaler Salon: Blindflug?
    19:00 - 20:00 | Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society
  • Nov
    24
    Learning Call: Go East, Young DSA!
    Learning Call: Go East, Young DSA!
    16:00 - 17:00 | Online
  • Nov
    26
    Ideathon: Between Ambition and Bureaucratic Barriers
    Ideathon: Between Ambition and Bureaucratic Barriers
    16:30 - 21:00 | Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society

    • Discussion dossiers

    Platform governance

    How can the goals of corporations and the values of society be reconciled on online platforms?

    Data governance

    How can the technical, organisational, and regulatory mechanisms governing data sharing and use be shaped in the public interest?

    Artificial intelligence and society

    How can we better understand the complex and reciprocal relationship between AI systems and social processes?

    Digitalisation and sustainability

    How can technology be used responsibly, taking into account social, economic and ecological dimensions?

    Digital future of the workplace

    How will digital organisation, digitalisation, and AI in the workplace transform the world of work?

    KAPAZ- Material Collection

    Tackling hostility towards science

    What can be done when research comes under pressure? This resource collection supports researchers and institutions with strategies and tools for responding to hostile attacks.

    KI-Kompas

    AI compass

    AI is embedded across many areas of society, from medicine to nature conservation. Our card game presents concrete applications and invites players to critically examine their uses and implications.

    Data Governance Wegweiser - Digital Governance Lab

    Data governance guide

    Why does the potential of municipal data so often go unrealised? This handbook supports public administrations in planning and implementing data-driven projects in legally sound ways.

    DIGITAL SOCIETY BLOG

    Further articles

    There are piles of colourful stones stacked on top of each other. They symbolise the debate among Bundestag members about wealth taxation on social media.
    Sami Nenno | 9. October 2026

    #TaxTheRich: How do members of the German Bundestag debate wealth taxation on social media?

    Germany’s Constitutional Court is reviewing the inheritance tax. A study shows how members of the Bundestag argue online.

    A black, white and ginger cat peeking out from behind a wall, symbolising the cat and mouse game surrounding the Digital Services Act.
    Daniel Pothmann | 6. October 2026

    Enforcing the Digital Services Act: A cat & mouse game?

    The Digital Services Act has been in force for two years. Is it working as expected? A look at enforcement progress and geopolitical influences.

    Hendrik Send, Martin Wrobel | 6. October 2026

    AI startups made in Germany — Specialisation instead of computing power

    What role do AI startups play in Germany’s position in the global AI race? This article draws on ten interviews to offer insight into their business models.