Understanding Digital Transformation –
Shaping the Future Together

bidt meets re:publica 2026

From communications surveillance and social media bans to data work and digital war documentation: at re:publica 2026, the bidt brought the latest research into the public debate. This follow-up report brings together key insights from four panels in Berlin.

In Focus

Digital Humanism –
2nd International Interdisciplinary Research Conference 2027

The “Digital Humanism – 2nd International Interdisciplinary Research Conference” brings together researchers from different disciplines in Munich from March 10 to March 12, 2027, to discuss human-centered perspectives on digital technologies. As an interdisciplinary forum, the conference addresses questions of responsibility, regulation, participation, AI ethics, human-centered AI, and the social, economic, legal, and environmental implications of digital transformation. Submissions are possible in two formats: Extended Abstracts and Sub-Session Proposals, both due by July 15, 2026.

Events

Digital Work Environment

Digitalised processes facilitate workflows, while technology enables new forms of communication and collaboration: insights into the opportunities – and possible conflicts – arising from the partnership between humans and machines.

bidt-Digitalbarometer.international

The digital transformation can be seen in all areas of life. Time to take stock and compare Germany, Austria, Finland, France, Italy, Spain and the UK.

Digital Society

How do we succeed in the digital transformation of society? From the state of digitalisation in Germany to questions regarding its benefits for the common good, social change requires a dialogue prioritising knowledge transfer.

Digital participation

Our glossary article highlights the most important facts about digital participation including examples, applications, criticism and problems.

Digital Public Sphere

Digital media, fake news, and the power of opinions – our access to information these days is unparalleled. So how can we shape public discourse, political coordination, and participation? What set of rules is necessary for a digital public sphere?

Controlling opinion power and monitoring diversity in the digital age

What challenges arise from players like Facebook, Google or YouTube?

Digital Politics

As a cross-sectional issue, digitalisation presents particular challenges for policymakers. Digital politics unites the social and political questions and responsibilities arising from digital transformation.

How well prepared is Europe for generative AI?

A discussion about the digital competences of the EU population in times of generative AI at the Representation of the Free State of Bavaria to the EU.

Digital Responsibility

Digital transformation leads to ethical and legal issues when digital technologies are used for the common good, ranging from digital participation to data security.

What is digital humanism — and what does it mean in times of generative AI?

Julian Nida-Rümelin examines digital humanism in the age of AI, emphasising human reason and self-determination.

Digital Competition

Digitalisation is reshaping the global economic order. As companies digitalise products and services, their market positions are shifting. How can we carve out a European approach to the international digital competition?

The role of digital innovations in managing organizational change processes

Knowledge-based digital innovations in organizational change processes strengthen the communication, empowerment and participation of employees and improve the success rates of change projects in the age of Industry 4.0.

Fresh insights: Our blog features internal and external expert voices.

More than a job