Research Incubator
The central objective of the CAIS Research Incubator is to promote cross-disciplinary networking and interdisciplinary collaboration in an innovative framework for science and research. In a first iteration, relevant research topics for the research programs were systematically identified between 2019 and 2021, and processes were developed and tested in which the research programs are carried out.
The topic identification process is characterized by a continuous alternation between collecting and condensing findings and is oriented to the Double Diamond, a framework structure for innovation according to the UK Design Council. An elementary part of this is the structured change of perspective by alternately opening and closing the process, i.e. the targeted consideration of both quantitative and qualitative aspects in an iterative and participative process.
“Even before the research begins, it is important for us to see which topics are important to people. What do experts say, but also what moves citizens in the area of digitization?”
Dr. Josephine B. Schmitt,
Scientific coordinator
Process overview
CAIS is looking for topics for upcoming research programs
In a structured process, we are sounding out potentially important topics for digitization research at CAIS. From these, the topics for the CAIS research programs will emerge starting in 2021.
Delphi Study
What do experts think about digitization research?
CAIS surveyed scientific experts in NRW in a Delphi study. The results will help to organize future research in the field of digitalization and artificial intelligence.
Automated text analysis
Which digitization topics are set politically and socially?
To find clues to potentially important topics in digitization research, CAIS conducted an automated content analysis of trend-setting text documents. An insight into the process and the findings.
Expert discussion
Interdisciplinarity as a Challenge for Digitization Research?
With a view to the content-related and organizational design of interdisciplinary research programs, expert discussions were held with researchers at CAIS.
Online survey
What digitization topics move society?
In a clearly structured process, we sound out topics for the research programs and research projects of CAIS. One of the final building blocks for this is the implementation of a broad-based online survey.
Digital Topic Sprints and Citizen Science
Co-creative opening of the topic identification process
As an important part of the topic identification process for the CAIS research programs, the topic sprints are a participatory format at the end of the clearly structured process.
Agile science
“New Work” in Research?
The diversity and dynamics of digital change are also affecting the science system. How is science responding to the associated upheavals? To what extent can citizens be involved in the research process and can their needs be taken into account? How can topics be identified and innovative research questions developed? How can results be shared with societal actors in a practical way in order to highlight problematic developments and enable rapid reactions?
- Bieber, C. & Schmitt, J. B. (2020). Künstliche Intelligenz, Open Science, Nachhaltigkeit, agile Wissenschaft. CAIS-Forschungsinkubator entwickelt Pfade zur interdisziplinären Digitalisierungsforschung. Abrufbar unter https://www.digitalstrategie.nrw/digitalnrw/de/journal/51354/post/42/title
- Bieber, C. & Schmitt, J. B. (2020). Labor der Digitalisierungsforschung: Der Forschungsinkubator am Center for Advanced Internet Studies. In Prinzing, M., Debatin, B. & Köberer, N. (Hrsg.). Kommunikations- und Medienethik reloaded? Wegmarken für eine Orientierungssuche im Digitalen (S. 309-316). Baden-Baden: Nomos Verlagsgesellschaft mbg & Co. KG.
Schmitt, J.B., Goldmann, A., Simon, S.T. et al. (2023). Conception and Interpretation of Interdisciplinarity in Research Practice: Findings from Group Discussions in the Emerging Field of Digital Transformation. Minerva (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11024-023-09489-w
- Bieber, C. & Simon, S. (2021). Interdisziplinarität in der Digitalisierungsforschung, Workshop im Rahmen der Veranstaltungsreihe Quo vadis Digitalisierungsforschung? – Summer School, des Graduiertenkollegs NRW Digitale Gesellschaft, 14.09.2021
- Schmitt, J. B., Goldmann, A., Simon, S., & Bieber, C. (2021, November). Interdisciplinarity: Challenge or opportunity? Findings from group discussions among digitalization researchers. Vortrag im Rahmen des Workshops „Benefits and challenges of collaboration in research. Investigating the manifold aspects of mono-, inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration“.
- Simon, S. (2022). Applied Design Thinking in Research & Learnings for Agile, Participatory Processes. Vortrag im Rahmen der MENA Digital Summer School der Staatskanzlei NRW, 29.09.2022, Bochum.
- Simon, S., Schmitt, J. B., Bieber, C. (2022). Co-creative and participatory interdisciplinary research methods. Vortrag auf der Tagung “Exploring Socio-Technical Research”, 23.09.2022, Dresden.
- Simon, S. (2021). Agile & partizipative Wissenschaft am CAIS. Der Forschungsinkubator als Best Practice Beispiel, Vortrag auf der Jahrestagung „NewWork@Science“ des Zentrums für Wissenschaftsmanagement Speyer e.V., 04.10.2021
- Simon, S. (2021). Design Thinking für eine Agile Wissenschaft, Workshop im Rahmen der Veranstaltungsreihe Agile Methoden des PhDnet@CAIS, 04.05.2021
- Simon, S. (2021). From Ego to Eco. Systems Thinking for Sustainable Speculative Design, Vortrag im Rahmen der Konferenz Anticipatory Governence: Exploring Social Imaginaries, 29.06.2021
- Simon, S. (2021). Interdisciplinarity: Challenge or Opportunity? Vortrag auf der Tagung “Benefits and challenges of collaboration in research.” des DZHW (Deutsches Zentrum für Hochschul- und Wissenschaftsforschung)., 04.11.2021
- Simon, S. (2021). Partizipative Digitalisierungsforschung, Workshop auf der Tagung „Re-Thinking/Re-Configuring Participation. Neue Formen von Inklusion und Exklusion in der wissenschaftlichen Wissensproduktion?“ der Gesellschaft für Wissenschafts- und Technikforschung e.V., 18.11.2021
- Simon, S. (2021). Peculiar Thinking: Re-Framing Challenges, Vortrag im Rahmen der Konferenz Creative Approach Summit, 27.03.2021
- Simon, S. (2020). A Playground for Agile Academia, Vortrag auf der Konferenz #CMPRSSD im Rahmen des Nürnberg Digital Festival, 20.11.2020
- Simon, S. (2020). Creativity & Innovation Tools: Maneuvering Uncertainty in Scientific Research, Vortrag am CAIS im Rahmen des Forschungsinkubators, 26.11.2020
- Simon, S. (2020). Innovation Methods for Academic Research, Vortrag an der Universität Bremen, 27.11.2020
Team Research Incubator
Between 2018 and 2021, the following individuals were instrumental in the Research Incubator: Prof. Christoph Bieber, Dr. Matthias Begenat, Maximilian Brenker, Anne Goldmann, and Daniel Zimpel.
