Subtopic Information and communication technologies

The informatisation of society is currently marked by three parallel developments: First, the setup of an ICT infrastructure which has to be omnipresent, transparent and appropriate at the same time; second, the expansion and increase of complex autonomous technological systems (e.g. production systems, traffic systems, weapon systems) and third, the increasing distribution of so-called “intelligent artefacts” in both the everyday world and the working environment which are intended for the interaction and co-operation with humans in the form of e.g. humanoid robots and software agents. The reflection of the consequences of these processes of technologisation can be applied at the micro-level of social relationships, the organisational level or the sectoral level as well as the societal level of modern societies. Moreover, technology assessment in this field analyses the political need for action arising from the opportunities, risks and unintended impacts of these technology developments and their applications. Research focuses mainly on the development of the Internet and digital media, on the potential of the Internet to change political processes and on the analysis of the general principles which guide the funding and the perception of the media like “convergence”, “enhancement”, or “artificial artefacts”.