Towards X Futures

Sustainability and Innovation in Digital Ecosystems

As part of the Rhine-Ruhr Institute of Information Systems, our Chair is dedicated to exploring the potential for sustainable futures through digital innovation (x futures).

Digital technology plays a crucial role in shaping a sustainable and resilient societies. We still have much to learn about the interplay between digital technology and transformation for a better future.

With a focus on the socio-economic aspects of digital ecosystems, we gain a deeper understanding of the relationships between digital innovators and entrepreneurs, data, and knowledge as drivers of change. 

Digital Ecosystems encompass all relevant stakeholders in innovation platforms (e.g., iOS, Play Store, ChatGPT), transaction platforms (e.g., Otto, Zalando, Amazon). 

We guide individuals and organizations within such ecosystems to positioning themselves for  "x futures".

Join us on our journey Towards X Futures.

Teaching

Our teaching program includes courses for Bachelor, Master, and PhD students on sustainability with and through digital innovation & entrepreneurship. You will also find core IS courses, for instance on Machine Learning in our portfolio.

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Start-up

The Co-Creation Lab: Place Beyond Bytes offers all members of UDE a 24/7 working environment and the digital infrastructure to build data-based products and services with impact.

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Research

We engage in research on the intersection between digital innovation and entrepeneurship, digital ecosystems, and organizing data and knowledge. Throughout our work, the team employs quantitative, qualitative, and design-oriented methods, oftentimes taking a longitudinal or multi-layered perspective.

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Sustainability and Innovation in Digital Ecosystems

Latest news

 Thu, 30. Oct 2025

Strengthening Collaboration Between European University Alliances

A strategic meeting took place on 24 October at The Place Beyond Bytes Startup Incubator, led by Professor Dr. Hannes Rothe, bringing together representatives from two leading European university alliances to explore new avenues...
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 Thu, 30. Oct 2025

Entrepreneurial Digital Resilience in War: Lessons from Ukrainian SMEs

New publication at HICSS Conference by A. Komysheva, Prof. L. Wessel and Prof. H. Rothe.
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 Wed, 29. Oct 2025

"Class of Tomorrow": BRYCK STARTUP ALLIANCE Launch Signals a Deep Tech Future for the Ruhr Region

The Ruhr region is rapidly transforming its identity, shifting from its historic foundation in steel to become a powerful Startup Factory for deep tech.
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 Tue, 28. Oct 2025

Apply Now! Join the Digital Startup Camp for Summer 2026

We invite ambitious Bachelor and Master students to apply for the "Digital Startup Camp" in Summer 2026.
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 Fri, 24. Oct 2025

New Course: Digital Ideation and Entrepreneurial Design (DiEd) – formerly Sustainable Digital Entrepreneurship

The Master-level course has been updated: it will now be offered under the title “Digital Ideation and Entrepreneurial Design (DiEd)”, replacing the previous course “Sustainable Digital Entrepreneurship” for IS students. This...
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 Wed, 03. Sept 2025

EJIS Special Issue: The future of creating and distributing value in digital health ecosystems

New Special Issue edited by Prof. Rothe, Wessel, Reuter-Oppermann, Ologeanu-Taddei, Jarvenpaa; Deadline Nov 30, 2026
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 Wed, 13. Aug 2025

UDE receives funding from Start-up Center.NRW

News program incoming: Starting ventures with AI & building products on AI
How can entrepreneurship at universities be digitally redesigned and accelerated through artificial intelligence? The University of Duisburg-Essen is stepping up to provide a forward-looking answer with its SMART GUIDE...
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How we turn Ideas into Impact

The University of Duisburg-Essen is evolving — right in the heart of the Ruhrgebiet. Our entrepreneurial ecosystem empowers students, researchers, and innovators to transform bold ideas into real-world impact.

Discover how Co-Creation Labs, expert guidance, and strong regional and international partners enable ventures to grow — from the first spark of inspiration to successful spin-offs.

This video takes you behind the scenes of a university building the future: diverse, ambitious, and driven by innovation.

FAQ

We are interested in responding to your concerns quickly and with great competence. This small guide will give you a quick overview of our services and relevant persons of contact:

 You would like to write a bachelor or master thesis?

Please have a look at our offers under the point Theses and get in touch with the respective contact person. Please also note the application and registration deadlines. You can find them for bachelor theses under this link and for master theses under this link.

 You have questions about our course offering?

Please have a look at the course page or contact the respective person.

 You would like to create a product or service yourself? 

Reach out to place2b (at) icb.uni-due.de or schedule a meeting.

 You want to visit us and wonder about our office hours?

On our team pages you will find the office hours for each staff member. You can find us in Essen or Duisburg.