Agenda Future-Oriented Consumer Research

Initiated by the spokesperson of the coordination committee of the Bundesnetzwerk Verbraucherforschung (Federal Network for Consumer Research), the Research Unit of Sociological Theory at University of Kassel is organizing an agenda process for future-oriented consumer research. The project is funded by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection and based on a resolution of the German Bundestag.

As a continuous discussion and work process, the agenda development will extend over a period of 18 months (07/2023 to 12/2024). In a series of six workshops at different locations - with the involvement of expertise from the Federal Network for Consumer Research and beyond - the content of consumer science is to be reviewed and impulses for a future reorientation are to be provided in the form of a final, collaboratively produced white paper. Following a kick-off workshop in late summer, a focused workshop or conference event will be held each quarter. Topics include sustainability, digitalization, social/material (property) rights, professionalization and responsibility.

1st kick-off workshop: Agenda for future-oriented consumer research (Hofgeismar, 20-21.09.2023)

2. consumer protection, consumer behavior and consumer participation in the Anthropocene (Wuppertal, 07.-08.12.2023)
Cooperation with the Wuppertal Institute and the Bergische Universität Wuppertal

3. digital consumer worlds, AI and self-determination (Kassel, 13-14.03.2024)
Cooperation with the Scientific Center for Information Technology Design at the University of Kassel

4. property, social rights and supply - on the expansion of consumer policy (2nd quarter/2024)

5. professionalization of consumer protection and science - learning from the environmental sciences (3rd quarter/2024)

6th Final conference: Consumption and responsibility - normative perspectives and need for action in consumer science and policy (4th quarter/2024)

If you are interested in participating in one of the events or in a cooperation, please contact roschka[at]uni-kassel[dot]de.