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.

Explore PBB

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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Invitation to the Online Info Session: Master’s Program in Sustainable Innopreneurship (M.Sc.)

Do you want to act entrepreneurially, make a positive impact on society, and use digital technologies specifically for sustainable solutions?

Then the Master's program Sustainable Innopreneurship (M.Sc.) at the University of Duisburg-Essen is just right for you!

In this online info session, we will give you a detailed introduction to the program and its forward-looking concept:

What to expect:
An interdisciplinary Master’s program that combines entrepreneurial thinking with sustainability and digital transformation. You will learn how to develop solutions for ecological, social, and economic challenges using innovative approaches and digital technologies.

What we will show you:

  • The goals and content of the program
  • The modular curriculum with a strong focus on practical experience and projects
  • The connection between sustainability, entrepreneurship, and digitalization
  • Information about application, admission, and study organization
  • Testimonials and opportunities to interact with the team and program coordinators

What you’ll gain:
Answers to your questions, a sense of the study culture, and clarity about whether the Master’s program aligns with you and your goals.

When? [July 17, 2025; 15:10 – 16:00]
Where? Online via Microsoft Teams
Join the info session here:  https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_ZjJhMjc0NTgtYzBkYS00MDAxLTg5ODQtYzNmNzU4YTE5N2Q4%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%225119c065-76e8-41de-a63b-08c51bc51f30%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22ee44d5ef-56fa-47f2-a89d-b98ebb8e6772%22%7d

For more information about the program, visit our website:
www.innopreneurship.de

We look forward to seeing you and answering your questions!

Sustainability and Innovation in Digital Ecosystems

Latest news

 Mon, 16. Jun 2025   Rothe, Hannes

Student assistant / research aid (WHK) positions (f/d/m) at Chair & Place Beyond Bytes

We are looking for two student assistants / research aids (d / f / m) at Place Beyond Bytes in Duisburg-Ruhrort or Chair in Essen.
read on

Teaching (Winter)

Teaching (Summer)

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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.