Symposium: Democratic AI

Artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming part of everyday work in public administration: applications support research, structure large amounts of data, and assist in drafting texts. Many applications are developed during ongoing operations and are tested step by step. Binding standards often emerge only afterward.

This shifts the debate: the central question is no longer whether AI should be used, but under what conditions. Who defines what a system is allowed to do? What requirements apply to data, models, and operations? And how can the state remain capable of acting when key technologies are provided by only a few companies and platforms?

The symposium brings together perspectives from administration, research, and practice and discusses the implications for the use of AI in the public sector.

Program:

2:00 PM: Keynote

- Dr. Theresa Züger, HIIG, Head of Research: Societal Values, Transformation, and AI

Panel 1: “Who Controls the State’s AI?”

- Dr. Esther Görnemann, Weizenbaum Institute e.V., Research Synthesis Officer

- Carolin Körner, Bundesdruckerei GmbH

- Nicolas Zimmer, Technologiestiftung Berlin, CEO

Panel 2: “Democratic AI as a Competitive Advantage”

- Dr. Matthieu Binder, iRights.Lab, Research and Projects

- Yasemin Efiloğlu, PD – Public Sector Consultants GmbH, Senior AI Specialist | Science Group

- Dr. Benjamin Seibel, Technologiestiftung Berlin, Director of CityLAB Berlin

From approx. 5:30 PM: Networking & Closing Reception on the Terrace

Moderation: Gesa Trojan and Anja Lüttmann, Technologiestiftung Berlin