SHAPE conducts research that contributes to the constructive use of digital technologies in important welfare areas. In recent years, these areas have undergone rapid digitalization, prompting discussions about “data-based welfare.” This has created new opportunities for citizens and welfare professionals, but also challenges regarding skills, professionalism, transparency, and control.

In SHAPE, we investigate the implications of digitalization for the welfare sector. This applies especially to the social and educational sectors, but we also examine how welfare and digitalization are linked more generally, for example, regarding the development of digital infrastructures.

However, as always, SHAPE's purpose is not only to understand but also to intervene and take research responsibility for the constructive development and use of digital technologies.