Perspectives on Mobility in Transition

Mobility is a phenomenon that is as indispensable as it is dynamic and relative. Basically, it means the ability to move – under one’s own power or with the help of others. In the course of industrialisation, the individual range of spatial mobility expanded multimodally from local to global dimensions. The multiple effects of rapidly developing virtual mobility seem incalculably disruptive. At the same time, existential environmental problems are pushing for a basic mobility turnaround in the direction of sustainable traffic avoidance strategies with regard to goods, people and data; aspects that also demand a maximum of intellectual mobility: Squaring the circle? In a holistic, historically based approach, the seminar addresses selected mobility aspects, symbolically from head to toe, in the context of technology, economy, society (culture) and environment.

Mobility continues to be a basic human need. It was and is therefore an important driver of innovation. Until now, the motto has been faster, higher, further. The issue of sustainability played a subordinate role. The rapidly intensifying digital age is opening up completely new options. There is no alternative to a shift in mobility toward climate neutrality. New mobility patterns are emerging. Conventional mobility is being substituted. Is stationary VR glasses-based mobility the solution? Can on-site production replace long supply chains? Is there a renaissance of muscle mobility?

The seminar discusses the opportunities, risks and limits of combining mobility consumption and high technology against the backdrop of the need for sustainable use of resources in the form of energy, land and raw materials.

The prelude will be food for thought on historical mobility futures and an energetic stocktaking. This is followed by an evaluation of hydrogen as a beacon of hope. Outlooks into the future of conventional and innovative mobility media complete the range of topics.

In dialogue with the students, experts from the fields of IT/KI, mobility application, traffic organisation and innovation management discuss approaches to solutions with a view to structures, consumers and producers and the question of which dimensions of mobility and networking humanity wants or can afford in the future. The format deliberately focuses on interaction between students and speakers. Active participation by the students is explicitly desired.