The digitalization of large spheres of human life leads not only to technological and economic change but also to social transformation. IT systems and infrastructures ensure that our modern society functions, but at the same time they also pose risks – not only in the form of malfunctions but also in the form of growing inequalities and injustices. Digitalization, and in particular developments in the field of artificial intelligence, also have significant implications for scientific and political decision-making processes. The task of technology assessment is to investigate these transformations and to recommend ways to shape them responsibly.

The scope and dynamics of the digital transformation are reflected in many projects at ITAS. On the one hand, researchers work on conceptual issues, such as trust and risk, governance of and by algorithms, and the ethics of AI systems. On the other hand, they analyze the advancing automation and digitalization of society using specific digital technologies.

Artificial intelligence

AI systems are a key research focus at ITAS. For example, researchers investigate the discrepancy between ethical values and their practical application in technology. To this end, a bottom-up approach to operationalizing AI ethics is being developed. Furthermore, the research examines the impact of harmful and abusive deepfakes on society and the effectiveness of existing legal regulations and measures. The research also focuses on systemic and existential risks of AI, as well as on the effects of generative AI on knowledge acquisition, political processes, and human behavior patterns. In addition, the research explores the conceptual and empirical interconnections between trust, artificial intelligence/machine learning, and smart grid development. It also addresses the impact of AI on inclusion, including by examining the risks and support potential of assistive technologies for marginalized groups. Moreover, the societal needs for robotics in social work areas, which place special demands on human-technology interaction, are analyzed and design options are developed.

Furthermore, the researchers examine societal perspectives on digitalization and the use of AI in agriculture and the bioeconomy.

Digital work

The “Digital work” research area analyzes the use and consequences of digital technologies, focusing on emerging technologies such as generative AI and robotics, with the goal of enabling a human-centered design of AI in the workplace. Changes in work processes associated with the introduction of AI in various industries are empirically investigated and evaluated in terms of their social and ethical implications. This also includes approaches to inclusive software development and the structuring of working hours.

In addition, the research focuses on visions for a successful and participatory shaping of the digital transformation.

(In-)Security, risk, and politics

Modern societies face a range of digital risks. Organizations involved in critical infrastructure, and policymakers in particular, strive to safeguard the foundations of societal routines, yet their decisions are often based on uncertain knowledge. Furthermore, this knowledge is contested, digital technologies accelerate the transformation of what was previously considered certain, and threats evolve dynamically. This research focus analyzes the field of extremism prevention and the resilience of critical (information) infrastructures, where the pursuit of security and the emergence of new insecurity are intertwined.

Governance and algorithms

Be it in questions of granting loans, jobs, or study places, determining legal penalties, or even identifying terrorists: More and more often, computer systems “have a say” in decisions that have a significant impact on the possibilities for free personal development. ITAS investigates the risks of discrimination by algorithms and examines the structures and design options for the governance of algorithms, especially with regard to risks to fundamental rights and societal values.

Digital transformation of research

Digital technologies and AI transform the way scientific knowledge is generated and research findings are produced; they complement empirical research methods and have a bearing on the publication and communication of research results. ITAS examines the associated opportunities and challenges with a focus on changes in the science system, but also with regard to the impacts on research data and research infrastructures. The digital transformation also affects technology assessment itself; therefore, the implications of using generative AI for technology assessment are tested in practice and continuously evaluated, and computer-assisted data collection methods are integrated into research projects.