We understand technologies as the tangible - or intangible - artifacts at the core of countless human activities, such as manufacturing, providing services. and communications. These technologies are imbedded in social systems (norms, values, beliefs and interests) and determine the way we create and use them. The Professor of Socio-Technical Transitions is conducting research on transformation (meaning, change) related to technologies as outlined in the UN Sustainable Development Goals. 

What are we working on? 

In considering technology as intertwined with social aspects, we are focusing on two areas of socio-technical transitions: 

• We are studying sustainable transition, meaning an in-depth look at organizational processes and managing change. While we understand that society is facing multiple challenges, there are also many (technology-based) solutions at our disposal. So, why is change so difficult? The current rules of the game result in resisting change. How do we overcome that sense of resistance? We are, for example, investigating how different sectors of society (public administration, civil society, and the private sector) can engage in open social innovation to address social issues together. We need to find common ground to work towards finding solutions, especially given the urgency and complexity of these major challenges. 
• Digital technologies are increasingly impacting all aspects of our social and economic lives and we aim to explore the field of digital transition. We will look at just how people use, employ, and experience digital technologies. In order to answer these questions, we will examine new forms of organization (such as digital platforms), digitally-augmented entrepreneurship (including start-up companies that rely on crowdfunding), strategic development (corporate blogs created to inform external stakeholders), and innovation (companies willing to open up their innovation process to apply ideas provided by external stakeholders). 

How do we work?

We firmly believe in the potential of productive synergy between research, education and engaging in academia and science. Our research findings are published in international journals and we are creating an environment in which our students to achieve excellence. We work proactively with the stakeholders that drive change (such as companies, non-governmental organizations, foundations, think-tanks, governments). We also actively participate in public conversations to understand and shape the transformations we face on a daily basis.

Where are we located? 

We are located in the Open Innovation Center (OIC) at the Linz Institute of Technology (LIT) at the Johannes Kepler University Linz. The LIT and OIC brings experts in research and real-world practices together. As an interdisciplinary melting pot, the OIC’s international environment speaks to the spirit of what we are committed to achieving.