The digital transformation is a continually evolving process co-constituted by technology, social norms, politics and underlying power conflicts. The WZB research group “Politics of Digitalization” undertook until May 2026 conceptual and empirical research to understand how this conflictual and dynamic interplay shapes digital societies.

Thee group’s research programme studied digitalization in relation to the evolution of democracy, statehood, and regulation, such as:

• changing forms of political self-determination in times of digital transformation
• disinformation and democratic backsliding
• digital sovereignty and digital geopolitics
• artificial intelligence and the capacity of effective governance
• changing and newly emerging regulatory paradigms in the public and the private sector, e.g. regarding digital platforms
• practices and boundaries of surveillance in democratic societies
• digitalization of the state and public administration

The group employed qualitative and quantitative methods and drew on theoretical approaches from political science, sociology, communication and media studies, regulation and law. Its geographic scope wass both national and transnational, focusing on Europe and beyond.

The WZB research group contributed to the founding of the Weizenbaum Institute. Some of Poldi's former researchers are located at the Weizenbaum Institute, where they form the group Technology, Power, and Domination.

In addition to collaborating with several WZB units, the group is closely connected to the Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society (HIIG) through joint publications, academic events and a co-directorship.

The research projects currently underway will continue as part of the Research Group Globalization, Work, and Production.