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.

Essen

Address:

Chair for Sustainability and Innovation in Digital Ecosystems
Faculty of Computer Science
UNIVERSITY OF DUISBURG-ESSEN
R09 R04
Universitätsstr. 2, 45141 Essen

Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XXphcJyLcu37Jq6fA 

 Fri, 28. Aug 2026

What if building software became as simple as describing your idea?

At the Summer Coding School: Vibe Coding mit Claude Code, participants will explore a new approach to software development powered by AI. Instead of writing every line of code manually, you’ll learn how to use natural language...
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 Mon, 10. Aug 2026

Can agentic AI not just support the Lean Startup cycle — but actually run it?

That's the question behind our paper accepted at ECIS 2026 in Milan: "Multi Agent Systems in the Lean Startup Cycle: Operationalising Dynamic Capabilities," with Elias Jelinek and Hannes Rothe. We treat the Build–Measure–Learn...
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 Fri, 17. Jul 2026

Help Shape the Future of Storytelling — Join Our Online Workshop

Building Bridges is developing a digital storytelling platform where girls and FLINTA* of Colour can share their experiences and needs. To make sure the platform truly speaks to its community, we're inviting female mentors and...
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 Tue, 14. Jul 2026

Bridging AI Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice

Defense Jonathan Zebhauser 2026
Dr. Jonathan Zebhauser Successfully Defends Dissertation on Scaling AI Ventures
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 Thu, 09. Jul 2026

Cooperation between Universität Duisburg-Essen and LIG GmbH on AI-driven sustainable digital transformation

Since January 2026, the Chair of Sustainability and Innovation in Digital Ecosystems at the Universität Duisburg-Essen, led by Prof. Dr. Hannes Rothe, has been cooperating with LIG GmbH (https://l-i-g.net/). The collaboration...
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 Wed, 24. Jun 2026

AI for Good Hackathon: Building Technology for a Better Future

What an inspiring three days! The AI for Good Hackathon brought together students from across the Rhine-Ruhr Region to collaborate, create, and explore how artificial intelligence can contribute to solving some of society’s most...
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 Tue, 23. Jun 2026

Our chair attends VivaTech 2026 in Paris

Dr. Tomasz Waliczko from the Chair of Sustainability and Innovation in Digital Ecosystems at the University of Duisburg-Essen attended VivaTech in Paris last weekend. His participation followed an invitation from PSL and provided...
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 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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