As part of the Focus Area “Digital Transformation and Change”, it is being investigated how technological innovations are changing companies, societies and economic systems. The research is concerned with the introduction of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing and the Internet of Things, which are fundamentally influencing work processes, business models and social interactions. The aim is to understand the challenges and opportunities of this change in order to develop strategies for successful adaptation and promote sustainable innovation. Of particular interest are the effects on organizations, labour markets, individuals and social structures.

This Focus Area also plays a central role in teaching, as prospective specialists and managers are prepared to deal with these changes and responsibly shape the increasingly digital future. Teaching content therefore includes theoretical, conceptual and technical foundations of digital transformation as well as practical skills in dealing with new technologies, business models and forms of work. Teaching also promotes interdisciplinary approaches to prepare students for the complex challenges of digital change and enable them to develop innovative solutions.

As part of the Focus Area “Sustainable Economy and Consumption”, it is being investigated how economic activities and consumer behavior can be shaped in a way that promotes ecological, social and economic sustainability. The research focuses on the question of how companies, consumers and political actors can use resources efficiently, reduce emissions and establish fairer production and consumption patterns, either individually or collectively. Topics such as the circular economy, responsible consumption, good working conditions and the impact of climate change on the economy are analyzed. The aim is to promote sustainable business models and consumption habits that are economically viable and contribute to the protection of the planet and social justice.

This Focus Area is also highly relevant in teaching, as students are sensitized to the urgency of sustainable solutions and acquire the skills to identify, implement and manage them. Teaching content includes imparting knowledge about sustainable economic models, environmental management and ethical consumption as well as developing practical approaches to implementing these concepts in various industries. The aim is to educate future decision-makers who can integrate economic, environmental and social responsibility into their thinking and actions and adopt innovative ways to promote sustainability in businesses.

The Focus Area “Inequality and Diversity” addresses social, economic and cultural inequalities as well as the importance and promotion of diversity. It examines, for example, which role the distribution of income or wealth plays in different economies and how social and demographic factors affect individual opportunities, access to education and the labor market as well as political and social participation. The aim of the research is, on the one hand, to understand the causes and consequences of inequality and, on the other, to develop strategies to promote equal opportunities and inclusion.

Inequality and diversity also play an important role in teaching, as students should be educated about these topics in the context of their economic and social science education. By teaching theoretical approaches and practice-oriented methods, they are given the tools to recognize the mechanisms and structures of inequality and learn how diverse perspectives can be integrated into their respective professional fields. The aim is to prepare future professionals for the challenges of an increasingly diverse society.