The Interfacing Organizations Lab at the research unit Sociology of Media and Theory of Society investigates the use of technologies for intra- and inter-organizational communication and governance. We focus on how organizations make complex problems workable and which internal organizational solutions can be found. For a more precise definition of the problem and corresponding attempts at solutions, we look at both communicative and technical interfaces – but above all: their interaction.
The aim of the InteRKombi research project is to examine and understand the organizational modes of industrial platforms in digitally networked value creation systems from an organizational and innovation sociological perspective in a scientific-explorative manner. The core of the project is therefore a comprehensive qualitative empirical study of platform dynamics and their future developments. Based on the empirical results, the project develops concrete proposals for action to promote framework conditions in a targeted manner.
For more than 25 years, there have been increased efforts in Germany to digitize the state and administration with numerous ambitious programs. Despite this large number of projects, however, digital administration in Germany is at an unsatisfactory level. Administrative digitization sometimes appears to be a “hamster wheel”: many concepts and strategies are repeated or implementation paths are taken that have already proven to be ineffective. This raises the question: Have lessons been learned from past experiences? Based on qualitative interviews with former decision-makers, this study analyses the lines of development of administrative digitization in Germany over the last 25 years.
The BMBF joint project IN-KNOW is supporting the development and design of an assistance application for production employees in two partner companies from the manufacturing industry. The process is being researched and co-designed in transdisciplinary cooperation with software development and design.
- Organization and transformation
- Transdisciplinary research and interface work
- Collaborative ethnography
- Methods and concepts of technology assessment
- Media and interface analysis
- Co-creation and design research
