The Bavarian Research Institute for Digital Transformation (bidt) of the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities is funding four new research projects at Bavarian universities and research institutions from 2024. The projects will start in the first half of 2024 and deal with research questions relating to the focus of “Digital Transformation and Resilience”. This is because the resilience and adaptability of individuals, companies, society and the state is a key factor in maintaining well-being, sovereignty and the ability to regenerate in times of uncertainty or crisis.
All projects combine scientific expertise across disciplines and locations. The four research projects were selected from 39 applications in a two-stage selection and review process. The criteria for the decision were excellent scientific quality, an interdisciplinary approach and social and political relevance.
Digital processes can strengthen the resilience of individuals and organisations, especially in times of crisis. At the same time, digitalisation can lead to new vulnerabilities, for example in digital infrastructure. We are therefore delighted about the many innovative research applications. We hope that the four selected projects will provide valuable impetus and recommendations for action for a digital future geared towards the common good.
Dr. Christoph Egle, Geschäftsführer des bidt
The projects at a glance
Resilience by orchestrating citizen-driven innovation through digital platforms in urban-rural constellations
How should an open digital innovation platform for municipalities be designed so that civil society can organise itself at a low threshold and jointly develop solutions in crisis situations? The research project investigates the extent to which the resilience of municipalities can be improved by orchestrating citizen-driven innovation. One focus is on the interdependence of urban and rural areas.
Applicants:
- Prof. Dr Angela Roth, Chair of Information Systems, in particular Innovation and Value Creation, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU)
- Prof Dr Marc Redepenning, Chair of Geography I (Cultural Geography), Otto Friedrich University Bamberg
- Dr Markus Duchon, fortiss
Research project
Using AI to Increase Resilience against Toxicity in Online Entertainment
Toxic content – disguised as entertaining videos or images on YouTube, TikTok or Instagram – is widespread online but little researched. This project investigates the extent to which social media contributes to the spread of extremist, conspiratorial and misleading content and the impact of this ‘easily digestible’ toxicity on individual behaviour. Entertainment theories, visual communication and toxic language are brought together in a new way and AI methods are applied.
Applicants:
- Prof. Dr Yannis Theocharis, Chair of Digital Governance, TUM School of Social Sciences and Technology, Technical University of Munich
- Prof Dr Diana Rieger, Chair of Communication Science, Institute of Communication Science and Media Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
- Prof Dr Carsten Schwemmer, Chair of Computational Social Sciences, Institute of Sociology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
research project
Resilient Regulation for Digital Markets
The regulation of digital markets is of the highest social relevance. This is because digital markets are characterised by strong demand- and supply-side economies of scale, which often lead to monopolies with considerable market power. This in turn requires political intervention. The project aims to develop principles for resilient regulation that deals efficiently with current cases while adapting to future developments. Legal, strategic and information technology perspectives will be combined.
Applicants:
- Prof. Dr. Tobias Kretschmer, Institute for Strategy, Technology and Organisation, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich
- Prof. Dr Jan Krämer, Chair of Information Systems with a focus on Internet and Telecommunications Management, University of Passau
- Prof Dr Thomas Ackermann, LL.M. (Cambridge), Chair of Civil Law, European and International Business Law, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
research project
Exploitative leadership in digital collaboration – resilience for employees, leaders and digital communication tools
Video conferencing systems, enterprise social networks, messengers and virtual Kanban boards have become an integral part of collaboration between managers and employees – but they can also have a dark side and change the nature of leadership. The project analyses the use of digital communication tools in management practice and their potentially destructive effects. The aim is to identify key mechanisms and develop approaches that promote resilience.
Applicants:
- Prof. Dr. Ellen Schmid, Human Resources and Organisational Development, University of the Federal Armed Forces Munich
- Prof. Dr Markus Böhm, Business Informatics, in particular Digital Transformation, Landshut University of Applied Sciences
- Prof Dr Alexandra Hauser, Responsible Leadership, Munich Business School
research project
Source: Press release of the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities (BAdW) from 18 December 2023.
Contact
Press contact
Scientific contact
