Responsibility is more than a duty – it's an attitude that sustains our society. The overwhelming majority of citizens consider a willingness to take responsibility to be of central importance. It turns out that the older a person is, the more readily they associate responsibility with stability, shaping the future, and community. Younger people, on the other hand, sometimes struggle to perceive themselves as both effective and responsible. What we need is a new understanding of responsibility – one that enables personal initiative and participation without being overwhelming.

Digital competence is considered by almost one in three Germans to be a key prerequisite for a meaningful and successful life. However, educational background and personal experience significantly influence this assessment. Why digital sovereignty is becoming the new foundation for social participation – and what will be important in the future.

What used to start in the shop window is now happening in the background: advertising, consumption and purchasing behaviour are being changed by AI - often without us even noticing. More and more people expect bricks-and-mortar retail to disappear. At the same time, they are experiencing how personalised recommendations and automated processes are shaping everyday life. How much control do we want to retain and how consciously will we shop tomorrow?

Surveillance, security, control – these are issues that increasingly shape the everyday lives of many people. Yet, despite digital innovations and new threats, the desire for personal freedom remains strong. Citizens expect protection without sacrificing their self-determination. How security and freedom can be reconciled in the future will be one of the central challenges of our time.