Conference theme: Transformations. Fundamental Change and Technology
We live in a world of constant change. There are periods, however, of accelerated change in the political, economic, social or technological sphere. Usually, these spheres are closely interrelated and entangled. If this change is of fundamental character, scientists usually speak of ´transformations´. Common examples are the political and economic system changes, i.e. transformations, in Latin America, Southern Europe or Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) in the past decades.

The aim of the conference is to shed light on technological, but also political, societal and environmental sides of these transformations in Europe and other regions in past and present. Technology can be a major factor to enhance, slow down or ease such transformations. Processes of circulation and appropriation of knowledge, ideas and artefacts provide a broad field of research to better understand aspects of political, societal or environmental transformations in connection with technology. Special attention can be paid to the following themes: (1) technologies as a driver of political, societal or environmental changes or as an obstacle, (2) technological “revolutions”, transitions and “transformations” and their impact on politics, societies and environment, (3) discourses on (technological) changes, especially with regard to sustainability.