News

TransforM kicks off its work with a discussion of our future with transformative technologies 

On February 6th, the Cluster of Excellence – Munich Center for Transformative Technologies and Societal Change (TransforM) – kicked off with a public event at the Oskar von Miller Forum.

Members of the TransforM Cluster, along with experts from academia, government, civil society, and the public at large, gathered to discuss the role of transformative technologies in shaping the future. Joined by representatives from the City of Munich, LMU, TUM, the ifo institute, ZEW, and the Federal Agency for Breakthrough Innovation SPRIN-D, the event brought responsible innovation research to the forefront of this public discussion, with the goal of broadening Munich’s (and Germany’s) approach to technology and innovation.  

The evening started with a welcome presentation by Cluster’s Spokesperson Professor Sebastian Pfotenhauer, walking the audience through the goals of TransforM, the motivation for creating such a cluster, and the pathways to impact that TransforMaims to build. TUM Executive Vice President for Research and Innovation Professor Gerhard Kramer then a welcome speech, outlining the achievements of TUM as a University of Excellence and the important role of social science research for advancing research also in technical fields.  

A panel discussion followed, moderated by TransforM Cluster Co-Spokesperson Professor Hanna Hottenrott and joined by Fabian Kors (City of Munich), Oliver Falck (LMU), Rafael Laguna de la Vera (SPRIN-D), and Sabina Leonelli (TUM).

With dynamic interaction between the panelists and valuable inputs from the broader audience, several key themes emerged: 

  • Technical questions and opportunities are never purely technical. Social innovation and technological innovation are deeply intertwined and more mechanisms, platforms and research are needed to support a positive relationship between the two.  
  • Real breakthrough innovation may require more risk-taking, but this needs to be equally accompanied by more inclusive, multi-sectoral, and interdisciplinary discussions about what society needs and wants, and how to take risks responsibly.  
  • Ownership, access and control are key considerations that can determine how technological innovation impacts societal well-being 
  • Participation and considerations for responsible innovation need to occur all the way through – before, during, and after implementation. Regulations and guidelines that support these mechanisms need to be clear and implementable in order topromote fair and equitable participation in an enabling technological transformation ecosystem.  

Transform Co-Speaker Spokesperson Professor Holger Patzelt closed the session with many thanks to the many contributors and partners that have played a role in the formation of Transform and the Kick-off event.  

This event kickstarts the cluster’s plans to build and pursue a research agenda focused on how social concerns can be more effectively anchored in innovation processes to harmonize technological progress and economic opportunities with future social, ecological, and political interests. 

Imprint
Privacy policy