Under the theme “Digital Transformation and Change,” BESST provided faculty researchers with a platform to present their current research, discuss new developments in the field of artificial intelligence, and exchange ideas across disciplinary boundaries.
The workshop was opened by Prof. Dr. Marion Büttgen, Associate Dean for Research, Academic Careers, and Knowledge Transfer at the Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Sciences. She welcomed the participants and introduced the goals and focal points of the event.
The program included a series of academic presentations that examined the topic of AI from various disciplinary perspectives. Among other topics, the presentations addressed the growing importance of AI agents in various research disciplines. Dr. Matteo Vaccargiu used a comprehensive data analysis to demonstrate how so-called “agent skills” are spreading across different academic disciplines. Dr. Paul Rougieux used the example of bioeconomics research to show how AI-supported coding agents can accelerate the integration of complex economic and biophysical models.
Prof. Dr. Henner Gimpel addressed the impact of agent-based AI systems on knowledge work. Using the example of the semi-automated grading of exams, he discussed how efficiency gains can be realized without compromising issues of accountability, transparency, and human oversight.
Prof. Dr. Henner Gimpel addressed the impact of agent-based AI systems on knowledge work. Using the example of the semi-automated grading of exams, he discussed how to harness efficiency gains without losing sight of issues of accountability, transparency, and human oversight.
Other presentations broadened the perspective to include the societal and individual dimensions of digital transformation: Dr. Adrian Lüders examined how digital traces on social media platforms influence social coordination and identity formation. Luca Alldinger and Prof. Dr. Siegmar Otto explored the relationship between personality traits and the evaluation of AI responses of varying degrees of permissiveness. Finally, Prof. Dr. Caroline Ruiner and Prof. Dr. Matthias Uhl examined, from a sensemaking perspective, how trust in AI develops and why both excessive trust and excessive skepticism toward AI systems can be problematic.
The workshop concluded with a panel discussion on the topic “AI in Research.” Moderated by Prof. Dr. Marion Büttgen, Prof. Dr. Henner Gimpel, Dr. Paul Rougieux, and Prof. Dr. Mareike Schoop discussed the potential, challenges, and future developments in the use of AI in research.
Interdisciplinary Exchange as a Catalyst for Research
The diversity of the presentations made it clear that digital transformation extends far beyond technological innovations. It raises fundamental questions about the design of work processes, human decision-making, trust, and responsibility. It was precisely the diverse perspectives from the economic, social, and behavioral sciences that enabled a multifaceted view of these developments.
BESST provided a framework for this, helping to highlight current research, create new points of connection between disciplines, and develop shared perspectives on future challenges.
The Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Sciences would like to thank all the speakers and participants for their contributions and the constructive exchange of ideas.