Our research is dedicated to the social, economic and societal impacts of digitalisation. We work both on a purely conceptual level, but also using various research methods (e.g. surveys, experiments, case studies, grounded theory, simulations). Thematically, we deal in particular with the following three main topics:

Potentials and challenges of data-driven organizations

The large and ever-increasing amount of digital data holds great opportunities for value creation by companies. For example, with the help of machine learning methods, connections can be discovered that were previously hidden from people (e.g. in the context of researching medicines). However, the realisation of such potentials goes hand in hand with challenges that companies need to address in a meaningful way (e.g. the acceptance of AI-based decisions or changes in human task areas). Our research seeks to address these challenges so that potentials of data-based value creation can be realised and undesirable effects mitigated.

Management of privacy and IT security by companies

With an increasing amount of digital data and information, their protection is becoming more and more important. Companies face the challenge of ensuring adequate IT security as well as protecting the privacy of individuals. Regular headlines about IT security incidents or breaches of individual privacy make it clear that these challenges are not yet being met successfully. However, how companies (and individuals) deal with data worth protecting today will shape the future economic use of this data, but also the social significance of the concept of privacy. Our research is therefore dedicated to approaches for the successful and sustainable management of privacy and IT security by companies.

Effects of digitalisation and the increasing flood of information on the lives of individuals and society

Individual use of digital services is accompanied by significant social and societal consequences, the form and extent of which often cannot be estimated. A major driver of such consequences is the ever-growing amount of digital information, which changes how individuals perceive their environment and behave. Our research aims to contribute to a better understanding of how digital technologies change the lives of individuals and society in order to promote desired effects and counteract undesired effects.