On January 14, 2026, Federal Minister Dorothee Bär met with scientists from the Network of Institutes for Digitalisation Research (NIfD) at the Weizenbaum Institute to discuss the social impact of digitalization. Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Schulz participated in the exchange on behalf of the HBI.
The discussion focused on how digitalization research could contribute to the development of a digitally sovereign and democratic society, as well as the implementation of the Hightech Agenda Deutschland (HTAD).
From insight to impact: The NIfD is a key partner in the German government’s High-Tech Agenda, which aims to restore Germany’s position as a leader in technology. The scientific community is also involved in its implementation. The network’s interdisciplinary research approach combines technological expertise, particularly in artificial intelligence, with social science and humanities research. Thereby, the institutes contribute significantly to the successful integration of key digital technologies into society and to the strengthening of Germany’s and Europe’s digital sovereignty.
Dorothee Bär, the Federal Minister of Research, Technology, and Space: “Germany needs excellent, interdisciplinary, application-oriented digitalization research. Digitalization profoundly impacts all areas of society. The digitalization research institutes investigate the social consequences of the digital transformation, placing people at the center of research and innovation in the digital revolution. By doing so, they support the widespread adoption of key technologies in society and contribute significantly to the implementation of Germany’s High-Tech Agenda.”
The network of six institutes sees itself as a strategic catalyst for the further development of digitalization research in Germany. This allows risks to be identified early, action plans to be developed, and value-oriented development of digital systems.
Prof. Dr. Christoph Neuberger, the Scientific Director of the Weizenbaum Institute, explained: “In addition to technological innovation, social orientation is crucial for digital transformation. The network of digitalization research institutes provides valuable insights for human-centered digitalization. The institutes analyze and evaluate the social consequences and derive recommendations for action in social practice.”
Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Schulz, the Scientific Director and Chairman of the Board of the Leibniz Institute for Media Research · Hans-Bredow-Institut (HBI), noted that “the HBI sees an opportunity to contribute to the implementation of the federal government’s high-tech agenda through research sprints that accompany legislation, with accelerated knowledge transfer playing a key role.”
About the Network of Institutes for Digitalisation Research (NIfD)
Since 2021, the Network of Institutes for Digitalisation Research (NIfD) has brought together leading institutions in Germany that conduct interdisciplinary research into the social, political, and technological consequences of digital transformation. Its members are the Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society (HIIG); the Bavarian Research Institute for Digital Transformation (bidt); the Center for Advanced Internet Studies (CAIS); the Leibniz Institute for Media Research | Hans-Bredow-Institut (HBI); the Weizenbaum Institute; and the Center for Responsible Digitalization (ZEVEDI). The network promotes collaboration, knowledge sharing, and joint initiatives to raise the profile and effectiveness of digitalization research in Germany.
Photos: Mo Wüstenhagen