{"id":1406,"date":"2012-04-10T11:04:59","date_gmt":"2012-04-10T11:04:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/hiig.df-kunde.de\/\/?page_id=1406"},"modified":"2026-09-30T19:27:53","modified_gmt":"2026-09-30T17:27:53","slug":"research","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.hiig.de\/en\/research\/","title":{"rendered":"Our Research"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n\t\t\t\t\"Hero-Hiig-Forschung\"\n\t<\/figure>\n

\n\t\t\tOur Research\t<\/h1>\n\t

The Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society (HIIG) conducts problem-oriented theoretical and empirical research in the field of internet and society. The aim is to contribute to a better understanding of ever-changing digital societies.<\/p>\n

We use the relationship between innovation and governance as our conceptual frame of reference for identifying and assessing these societal changes. The synergies and tensions that arise in this context can be observed across all societal domains and organisations: in the modernisation of the state and public administration, the transformation of markets and companies, as well as in various civil society groups at the local through to the global level. In each case, the challenge consists in mediating new, at times disruptive ideas or solutions with existing legal, social and ethical norms.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tResearch structure\t<\/h2>\n\t

To analyse the relationship between innovation and governance, the Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society is currently conducting research in four research focuses. These consist of various sub-projects. Each focus area is developing an engagement unit, which is testing and translating formats for innovative knowledge production into actionable outcomes.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tExplore research\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t

Go to Focuses<\/a><\/p>\t\t\n\t\t\t

Go to Engagement Labs\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\t\t\n\t\t\t

Go to Projects<\/a><\/p>\t\t\n\t

\n\t\t\tResearch Focuses\t<\/h2>\n \t\n \"Close-up<\/a>\n

\n Democratic Change and Knowledge<\/a>\n <\/h2>\n \t

Our research examines the interplay between knowledge and science and their role in democratic self-determination. It focuses on the risks of epistemic crises and on strategies for resilient democratic processes in digital societies.<\/p>\n \t\n \"\"<\/a>\n

\n Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Society<\/a>\n <\/h2>\n \t

Technologies are reshaping how economies and societies develop and operate in a changing, globally connected digital environment. We investigate how different forms of innovation and entrepreneurship address systemic societal challenges.<\/p>\n \t\n \"\"<\/a>\n

\n Societal Values, Transformation and Artificial Intelligence<\/a>\n <\/h2>\n \t

Our research critically analyses socio-technical transformation processes. It centres on the question of how digital technologies can be more closely aligned with societal goals – particularly with regard to sustainability, the public interest and democratic values.<\/p>\n \t\n \"\"<\/a>\n

\n New Technologies and the Future of Law<\/a>\n <\/h2>\n \t

We examine when, how and by whom rules for technological innovations such as artificial intelligence, brain-computer interfaces and quantum technologies should be set. How can robust governance frameworks be implemented to achieve this?<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tEngagement Units\t<\/h2>\n\t\t

AI & Society Lab<\/a><\/h2>

Artificial intelligence as a socio-technical phenomenon<\/h3>\n

This interdisciplinary interface brings together findings on AI, tests them in practice and develops new formats in workshops with a range of stakeholder groups.<\/p>\n\t\t

Digital Governance Lab<\/a><\/h2>

Protecting rights and enabling innovation<\/h3>\n

This testing ground puts findings on digital data, platforms and technologies into practice and discusses them with representatives from academia and society.<\/p>\n\t\t

Forum. Venturing Futures.<\/a><\/h2>

Opportunities for innovation and sustainable progress<\/h3>\n

This space for action develops new formats and tools for open dialogue that connect entrepreneurial thinking with social responsibility.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tResearch projects\t<\/h2>\n\t\tAll\n\t