As global attention remains focused on developing new artificial intelligence models, questions about who shapes the rules and values governing these technologies are becoming increasingly pressing. In response, Vienna will establish the Center for Digital Humanism Vienna (CDH Vienna) to institutionalize a human-centered approach to digital development.
Purpose of the center
Digital humanism aims to make the development of artificial intelligence and other digital technologies more democratic, ethical and centered on people. Vienna’s initiative emphasizes that technological progress should serve human well-being, democratic functioning and social justice rather than being an end in itself.
The CDH Vienna will coordinate scientific research and work to connect policymakers, civil society and economic actors. As an interdisciplinary platform, it will address topics such as the social impacts of artificial intelligence, ethical technology development, digital sovereignty and the role of democratic oversight in digitalization.
Founding partners and timeline
The Center for Digital Humanism Vienna is being established jointly by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research (Osztrák Tudományos Minisztérium), the City of Vienna (Bécs városa), the University of Vienna (Bécsi Egyetem), the Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien), the Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU Wien) and the Central European University (CEU). The initiative was announced this week at the Digital Humanism Conference in Vienna.
The official opening of the center is scheduled for 1 July 2026, and operational activities are planned to begin in the autumn.
Why it matters
Institutionalizing digital humanism creates a framework for examining and coordinating the societal dimensions of technological development. By promoting interdisciplinary research and collaboration among diverse stakeholders, the CDH Vienna aims to help ensure that AI and digitalization evolve in line with broader societal values.
