The intersection of technology and policy requires continuous dialogue to ensure ethical and informed decision-making. At the Institute for Ethics in Technology, we facilitate this exchange by engaging with policymakers, providing expert insights, and anchoring research within key global initiatives.

Discussion Format: Fireside Talks on Politics and Technology

To foster deeper discussions between academia and policymakers, we are launching Fireside Talks: Politics and Technology. This series will provide an open forum for critical debates on ethical challenges in emerging technologies. The first event on 15 May 2025 will feature Ana Vasconcelos Martins (MEP), setting the stage for future conversations on political challenges in the context of new technologies.

Expert Insight: Digital Law and Tech Policy

Our Institute's perspective on the political dimensions of technology development is supported by Michael Kolain, who is as our Research Associate in Digital Law and Tech Policy. Michael's work examines the legal and ethical dimensions of technology regulation, contributing to discussions on how law and governance can adapt to rapid digital advancements.

United Nations University Hub

A key milestone in our structural commitment to policy engagement is also the establishment of the United Nations University (UNU) Hub at Hamburg University of Technology. Launched on 27 May 2024, this hub strengthens international collaboration on pressing global issues, particularly climate change and sustainable development, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Contributing to Policy Development

In the past, we have contributed several statements to the discourse, including:

• Trustworthy Public Communications: In collaboration with the European Commission Joint Research Centre, Prof. Dr Maximilian Kienercontributed to the report Trustworthy Public Communications, released on 18 June 2024. This publication, led by Mario Scharfbillig and Laura Smillie, explores the ethics of influence, citizen engagement, and the careful calibration of public communication goals. Read the full report here: JRC Publication

• Expert Statements for German Bundestag: Prof. Dr Maximilian Kiener addressed the Committee for Culture and Media, offering an expert statement on the ethical implications of Generative AI.

Ethics is not just an academic discipline—it is also a concern for everyone. Moreover, technology is not an inevitable force but a series of choices made by societies. We therefore believe that meaningful engagement with diverse stakeholders is essential, not only to achieve the best possible outcomes but also to ensure the legitimacy of technological decisions. Public input enriches our research, and by listening to citizens' perspectives, we help shape technology in ways that are fair, transparent, and accountable.

Ethics by Design: Open Learning for Public Debate

To broaden access to ethical discussions in AI, we offer parts of our research in a free online course through the Hamburg Open Online University. The "Ethics by Design" project explores how ethics should not be an afterthought but an integral part of AI development, from conception to real-world application. This initiative not only supports public debate on AI ethics but also provides us with valuable feedback from a wider audience, strengthening the dialogue between research and society.

Public Engagement through Media

We also actively contribute to ethical discussions in the public sphere through media platforms, including the following.

• Podcast: Trust Issues – In a new episode, Maximilian Kiener discusses the increasing influence of AI, the scaling back of ethics teams in tech companies, and how we can address responsibility gaps. Listen here: [Episode Link]
• Featured Article in Tagesspiegel on key ethical challenges in AI governance and technology policy.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Art and Ethics

Part of our Institute's profile is also to use media and art as a space for ethical reflection in society. We therefore also collaborate with artists and interdisciplinary groups to explore the ethical implications of AI in innovative ways. In the past, this included the "Beyond Tomorrow" Exhibition (A.I. Collective) where Maximilian Kiener contributed a video on AI ethics and responsibility, exhibited alongside works on digital identities and sustainability.

To ensure responsible innovation, ethical considerations must be an integral part of industry practices. At the Institute for Ethics in Technology, we facilitate dialogue between academia and industry, helping to shape ethical standards in technological development.

Talk Series: Ethics in Practice

"Ethics in Practice" is our established talk series, bringing together scholars, industry leaders, and policymakers to tackle real-world ethical challenges in technology. Hosted at Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH), it serves as:

• A bridge between theory and practice, where researchers and practitioners collaborate on ethical issues.
• A key element of our curriculum, equipping students with the critical skills needed for ethically responsible careers in technology.

Hamburg Responsible AI Alliance

The Institute for Ethics in Technology is a member of the Hamburg Responsible AI Alliance, a partnership that fosters close collaboration between academia and industry. This initiative creates a dynamic exchange of ideas and experiences across sectors, promoting the responsible development and use of artificial intelligence. By combining expertise from business and research, the alliance develops scientifically rigorous and ethically sound proposals that are also practical for real-world applications. 

Industry Engagement in Global Summits

Our Institute participates in leading industry summits, such as the World AI Summit and the AI Action Summit Paris, joining the discussions on AI governance and responsible technology development.