The digital transformation of society is one of the major challenges of our time. There is a particular need for independent and interdisciplinary research with a long-term perspective in order to fundamentally analyze and help shape the diverse conditions, forms, and consequences of digital change.
Several interdisciplinary research institutions in Germany contribute to this effort. Since 2021, they have been working closely together within the Network of Institutes for Digitalization Research (in German: Netzwerk der Institute für Digitalisierungsforschung = NIfD). The Center for Advanced Internet Studies (CAIS) has been part of the network since its inception and continuously contributes its expertise.
Participating institutions
The network comprises the following six research institutions:
- Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society (HIIG)
- Bavarian Research Institute for Digital Transformation (bidt)
- Center for Advanced Internet Studies (CAIS)
- Hans-Bredow-Institute (HBI)
- Weizenbaum Institute (WI)
- Center for Responsible Digitalization (ZEVEDI)
Each institution brings a unique profile and distinct research focus to the network. This institutional and thematic diversity encourages competition and cooperation, thus contributing to quality and innovation in digitalization research. A compatibility mechanism within the network ensures regular exchange at the management level on research priorities to leverage synergies.
Annual networking meetings are held in rotation at the locations of the partner institutions. These bring together executive leadership and professionals from various areas such as communication, knowledge transfer, and research infrastructure.
Goals of the network
The NIfD fosters collaboration between its member institutions. This includes both cross-network cooperation and bilateral partnerships. Key focus areas include:
- Sharing experience in interdisciplinary digitalization research
- Joint representation of the interests of digitalization research
- Identifying and initiating collaborative research projects
- Cooperation in transfer, dialogue, and science communication
- Supporting interdisciplinary careers through joint events (e.g., Digisem, Digimeet), qualification programs, and exchange opportunities for doctoral researchers and postdocs
Further goals of the network include:
- Joint applications for third-party funded projects
- Coordinated positions on digital and science policy
- Representing the perspectives of the member institutions in political advisory bodies
- Increasing the national and international visibility of the institutions and their research
- Joint initiatives to improve data availability
CAIS is proud to be part of this strong and forward-looking network since 2021 – working toward responsible, socially relevant, and future-oriented digitalization research.