Arbeit.digital Zukunftskonferenz, 18-20 March, Vienna, with AK Wien and the ÖGB

Rethinking Work and Digitalisation Together

arbeit.digital is a new conference launching in 2026 that aims to strengthen the dialogue between practice, research, politics, trade unions, and workplace representation. The goal is not only to observe technological developments in the world of work, but to actively shape them — in ways that are socially just, democratic, and future-oriented. The programme provides a mix of German and English language keynotes and workshops.

Three Days, Three Themes, One Shared Objective

At the heart of the conference are three interconnected thematic tracks:

• Europe’s Digital Sovereignty: Digital infrastructures, supply chains, dependencies, geopolitical context, productivity and competitiveness, projects such as Eurostack
• Workplace Realities and Spaces for Shaping Change: The impact of digitalisation on the labor market, the role of artificial intelligence (opportunities, risks, skills), examples from company and works council practice, human-centered digitalisation, and participatory approaches in the digital transformation

• Political and Regulatory Frameworks for Technological Innovation: Compliance in practice (public sector innovation, AI factories), implementation and enforcement (institutional structures, information rights, workers' data rights), emerging regulation (neurotechnology, algorithmic management)

These themes form the foundation of a three-day conference program:

• Day 1: High-level keynotes with international perspectives

• Day 2: Interactive workshops dedicated to the three core themes

• Day 3: A concluding panel discussion and a closing keynote

A European Perspective on Work and Technology

The arbeit.digital Conference is a collaboration between the Vienna Chamber of Labor (AK Wien), the Austrian Trade Union Federation (ÖGB), and the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (Competence Centre on the Future of Work). Together, we aim to create a platform for exchange, connection, and research-based impulses for shaping the digital world of work — with a particular focus on the European dimension.

Where Research Meets Practice — Join the Conversation

We warmly invite interested participants from research, the world of work, trade unions, politics, and civil society to contribute to the conference. For participants from Austria, please register here. 

For participants coming from other countries, please reach out to Justin Nogarede at justin.nogarede(at)fes.de.