Federal Minister for Digital Transformation and Government Modernisation, Dr. Karsten Wildberger, met with the directors and scientific managers of the Network of Institutes for Digitalisation Research (NIfD) at the Weizenbaum Institute on November 3, 2025, in Berlin. The HBI is part of the network and was represented at the meeting by its scientific director and chairman of the board, Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Schulz. The discussion focused on the current research of the six institutes on the social impact of digitalization, particularly the digitalization of government and administration, as well as the integrity of public opinion formation.
The network discussed the joint paper, “Current Attacks on Freedom in Digital Communication Spaces,” with Minister Wildberger. The analysis highlights new challenges to a democratic public sphere posed by disinformation, propaganda, and generative AI technology. Another topic of discussion was the modernization of government and administration through data-driven processes. The institutes presented research findings that contribute to improving administrative processes. One practical example of a scientifically based digitalization solution is the Data Governance Guide (in German), which was developed at the Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society (HIIG). This digital handbook supports local authorities and administrations in implementing data-driven projects in a legally compliant and public welfare–oriented manner.
Dr. Karsten Wildberger, the Federal Minister for Digital Transformation and Government Modernisation: “Scientific findings are indispensable for securing democracy, innovation, and social cohesion in the digital age. Institutes for digitalization research play a crucial role in ensuring that Germany’s digital transformation is efficient.”
Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Schulz, Scientific Director and Chairman of the Board of Directors at the HBI: “The meeting demonstrated the importance of freedom of communication in digital spaces. To recognize how it is endangered, science must explore new avenues, such as simulating attacks on the communication order and testing responses to them.”
The Network of Institutes for Digitalization Research
The Network of Institutes for Digitalization Research (NIfD) has brought together leading institutions in Germany that conduct interdisciplinary research into the social, political, and technological consequences of digital transformation since 2021. In addition to the HBI, 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 Weizenbaum Institute, and the Centre Responsible Digitality (ZEVEDI) are members of the network. The network strengthens cooperation, knowledge exchange, and joint initiatives to promote the visibility and effectiveness of digitization research in Germany.
Photos: Mo Wüstenhagen