Workshop at ZeMKI to develop a YUFE BIP on platform and AI governance

On 2 and 3 December 2024, the “Perspectives on Platform Governance” workshop took place between researchers from four YUFE (Young Universities for the Future of Europe) partner universities at the Haus der Wissenschaft in Bremen, Germany. Hosted by the Platform Governance, Media, and Technology Lab at ZeMKI, University of Bremen, and funded by the State of Bremen through UB’s YUFE office, the workshop brought together researchers and educators to collaboratively design an Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) related to the governance of digital technologies.

A BIP is a short-term, collaborative learning initiative combining virtual and physical mobility. It brings together students and staff from European institutions to work on (often) multidisciplinary topics. Participants engage in online preparatory activities followed by a short on-site session at a host institution, fostering teamwork, innovation, and transnational, intercultural collaboration. BIPs aim to make mobility more inclusive and flexible, offering opportunities for those who might face barriers to traditional Erasmus+ mobility programs.

Participants included Dr. Marta Lopera Marmol from Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Dr. Feyisayo Lari-Williams from Universiteit Antwerpen, Dr. Zach Bastick from Université Sorbonne Nouvelle, Dr. Mathieu O’Neil from the University of Canberra (to provide expertise in the design of innovative teaching modules), and Dr. Paloma Viejo Otero, Dr. Rebecca Scharlach, Kiho Oshima, Dr. Christian Katzenbach and Dr. Dennis Redeker from ZeMKI. This soon-to-be YUFE BIP consortium brings together a number of academic disciplines, including economics, law, media and communication, and political science.

It is more likely than not that a YUFE BIP on “Platform and AI Governance” will result from this initiative, potentially launching in the 2025/2026 academic year. The organizers are thankful to Dr. Svenja Renner (YUFE Student Journey, UB), Dr. Philip Baur (YUFE Coordinator, UB), Barbara Hasenmüller (International Office, UB), and all International Office and YUFE coordinators from the participating universities for their essential support and valuable contributions to the workshop.