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 entrepreneurship, 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

 Mon, 08. Jun 2026

AI as a Tool for the Future

Why Information Systems Is More Important Than Ever
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 Wed, 03. Jun 2026

UDE Welcomes 2026 Ruhr Fellow Avneet Kaur

The University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE) is excited to welcome Avneet Kaur from Lehigh University (USA) as a 2026 Ruhr Fellow. Hosted by the Chair of Sustainability and Innovation in Digital Ecosystems, Avneet will participate in an...
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 Mon, 01. Jun 2026

UDE at the Aurora Symposium on Global Citizenship 2026: Showcasing Digital Innovation and Sustainable Pedagogies

The Chair of Sustainability and Innovation in Digital Ecosystems at the University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE) is proud to look back on a highly successful participation in the Aurora Symposium 2026, which concluded yesterday at Vrije...
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 Wed, 27. May 2026

EHDS4ALL Reaches New Milestones at its 2nd Annual in-person Consortium Meeting

The EHDS4ALL consortium recently came together for its 9th Consortium Meeting and second annual in-person gathering at Universität Duisburg-Essen (UDE) in Essen. Across a full day of presentations, discussions, and collaborative...
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 Wed, 27. May 2026

Aurora Annual Conference 2026 at UDE: European Collaboration, Innovation and the Future of Higher Education

From 18 to 21 May 2026, the University of Duisburg-Essen hosted the Aurora Annual Conference 2026, welcoming researchers, students, and university leaders from across Europe to discuss the future of higher education,...
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 Tue, 26. May 2026

Students Pioneer Solutions for European Digital Resilience in Intensive One-Week Program

Over 30 students from across the Aurora Universities recently convened for the Blended Intensive Programme, "Digital Resilience for a Vital Europe."
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 Mon, 11. May 2026

Marvin´s reflections from Copenhagen: Building an Open Innovation Community for Social Entrepreneurship

Marvin Mathis is a research assistant at the Chair of Sustainability and Innovation in Digital Ecosystems and recently participated in the Blended Intensive Programme “Nurturing seizmic Change” at Copenhagen Business School from...
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 Tue, 28. Apr 2026

€1.6 Million for AI at the NiederRhein: UDE is bringing Artificial Intelligence to small and medium-sized enterprises.

With around €1.6 million in EU and state funding, the joint project "KI für KMU NiederRhein" aims to give small and medium-sized enterprises in the NiederRhein region practical access to Artificial Intelligence. Regional...
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 Tue, 31. Mar 2026

The KI für KMU NiederRhein programme

Developed by the University of Duisburg-Essen, Hochschule Rhein-Waal, Duisburg Business & Innovation GmbH, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Wirtschaftsförderung Kreis Kleve, and Kreis Wesel, the programme offers SMEs a...
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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.