University of Bonn CASSIS — Center for Advanced Security, Strategic and Integration Studies Transdisciplinary Research Area: Individuals and Societies

Programme

A two-day programme of keynotes, thematic panels, and a public closing event, 21–22 October 2026 at the ZEI Center for European Integration Studies, University of Bonn.

The workshop takes place over two days at the ZEI Center for European Integration Studies. Day two closes with a public evening panel open to the public.

Wednesday, 21 October

Day One
10:30 – 11:00
Arrival of participants, coffee and refreshments
11:00 – 12:30
Welcome & Keynote

Welcome and Introduction to the Programme

Opening remarks followed by the workshop's first keynote.

  • Rektor Prof. Dr. Michael Hoch (tbc)
  • Prof. Dr. Caja Thimm & Prof. Maximilian Mayer, University of Bonn
  • Keynote and Q&A: “Digital Dependencies and Global Politics” — Dr. Julia Pohle, CMB Paris & WZB Berlin
Moderation: Prof. Dr. Caja Thimm, University of Bonn
12:30 – 14:00
Lunch break
14:00 – 15:30
Panel I

How to Measure Digital Dependence

  • Prof. Dr. Maximilian Mayer & Yen-Chi Lu, University of Bonn
  • Jyoti Panday, University of Stavanger
  • Dr. Luuk Schmitz, MPIfG Cologne
Moderation: Nathalie Brandmayr, Vodafone Institute
15:30 – 16:00
Coffee break
16:00 – 17:30
Panel II

Digital Inequalities: Economic, Political and Social Consequences

  • Prof. Dr. Tomasz Gackowski & Dr. Karolina Brylska, University of Warsaw
  • Prof. Dr. Caja Thimm, University of Bonn
  • Dr. Rogelio Madrueño, University of Bonn
  • Prof. Dr. Mary Setrana, University of Ghana
Moderation: Prof. Dr. Patrício Langa, University of Bonn
19:00 – 20:30
Dinner

Thursday, 22 October

Day Two
08:30 – 09:00
Coffee chat
09:00 – 10:00
Keynote & Discussion

Shaping Digital Sovereignty for Civil Society: An African Perspective

  • Keynote and Q&A: Irene Makau, The Oversight Lab Africa
Moderation: Prof. Dr. Maximilian Mayer, University of Bonn
10:00 – 10:15
Coffee break
10:15 – 12:15
Panel III

Strategies for Technological Autonomy / Sovereignty in Global Comparison

  • Dr. Joscha Abels, University of Tübingen
  • PD Dr. Laura Mahrenbach, University of Bonn
  • Sreekanth Mukku, University of Duisburg-Essen
  • Dr. Ksenia Ermoshina, CNRS Paris
Moderation: Philip Nock, University of Bonn
12:15 – 13:15
Lunch break
13:15 – 14:30
Panel IV

Alternative Digital Futures? Rethinking the Market Powers vs. Regulators Debate

  • Dr. Nina Frahm, Aarhus University
  • Magdalene Kariuki, TBI Kenya
  • Dr. Carlotta Manz, University of Basel
Moderation: PD Dr. Laura Mahrenbach, University of Bonn
14:30 – 14:45
Coffee break
14:45 – 16:00
Public Closing Event

Strategies of European Digital Sovereignty in a Global Context: Perspectives from Politics, Business and Research

A public event, open to all, concluding the workshop.

  • Dr. Sandra Detzer, Member of the German Parliament
  • Magdalene Kariuki, Tony Blair Institute for Global Change
  • Ben Wreschner, Vodafone Group
  • NN
Moderation: NN

Please note: This programme is a draft and subject to change. Entries marked (tbc) are still to be confirmed.