ZEW Economists Attend WISSENSWERTE 2017

On 5 December 2017, researchers from ZEW presented their research findings at the scientific forum WISSENSWERTE, which this year was held in Darmstadt. Among the researchers in attendance were Professor Irene Bertschek and Dr. Ulrich Zierahn, who discussed digitalisation in the workplace as well as the opportunities and challenges of Industry 4.0 at a number of different events held throughout the day.

As part of the “Forum for Young Researchers”, Zierahn, a senior researcher in the ZEW Research Department “Labour Markets, Human Resources and Social Policy” gave a presentation on his research into the effects of technological change, international trade and offshoring for both workers and labour markets. After offering the science journalists present some insight into his research into the digitalisation of the workplace, interested audience members had the opportunity to ask questions and join in the conversation.

As part of the workshop “Industry 4.0 = Illusion 4.0?”, Professor Irene Bertschek, head of the ZEW Research Department "Digital Economy", joined a number of other experts for a discussion on digitalisation and connectedness of industrial production. The discussion touched on questions such as how the concept of Industry 4.0 will continue to develop in the future and to what extent firms in Germany are still reluctant to implement this new technological development.

WISSENSWERTE is the most important German-language forum specifically for science journalists and communicators, as well as researchers in the fields of natural sciences, technology and medicine. Through the workshops, discussions and talks on current issues affecting science journalism, forum participants have the opportunity to exchange thoughts and ideas and get up to speed on new and exciting developments.