Michael Miskarik: msg Plaut has been committed to digital humanism for many years. What does that mean?
Ursula Burgstaller-Skalla: Digital humanism means that technology serves people and not the other way around. It is about designing digital innovations in such a way that they respect and promote human values and needs. This includes developing technologies that are ethical, protect privacy and support social justice. The goal is to generate a balance between technological progress and human well-being.
Why is this topic so important to you?
We believe that technology can only be sustainable and successful if it puts people at the center. At a time when digital technologies permeate our lives in almost every area, it is crucial that these technologies are used responsibly and ethically. Digital Humanism ensures that technological innovations not only bring economic benefits, but also promote social and individual well-being.
For msg Plaut, careful handling of human resources is also the basis for a sustainable future. Isn’t that a contradiction, especially in times of AI and ChatGPT?
No, that is not a contradiction. On the contrary, it is particularly important, especially in times of AI and ChatGPT, to treat human resources with care. Artificial intelligence and similar technologies have the potential to improve many aspects of our lives, but they must be used responsibly. At msg Plaut, we are committed to ensuring that AI systems are transparent, fair and understandable. We believe that people must always be at the center and that technology should serve to complement and expand human capabilities, not replace them.
What contribution can companies make to digital humanism?
Companies can make a significant contribution to digital humanism by integrating ethical standards and values into their business models and innovation processes, such as developing and introducing technologies that ensure the protection of personal data, increase transparency and promote social justice. Companies should also invest in the training of their employees to ensure that they have the necessary skills and awareness to use digital technologies responsibly. By collaborating with other organizations and society, companies can also help promote a broader social discourse on the ethical implications of digitalization.
How can digital humanism be kept alive in corporate management in the long term?
At msg Plaut, we attach great importance to not only understanding digital humanism as a concept, but also to anchoring it as an integral part of our corporate management. We achieve this, for example, through a comprehensive governance structure, an ethics board and through our IEEE certification, which ensure that ethical principles and values are lived and developed over the long term. Our governance structure is designed to promote and integrate digital humanism at all levels. We have set up an ethics board that is responsible for dealing with and resolving ethical issues and ensuring that our projects meet the highest ethical standards. It advises employees and promotes dialogue and technological developments, and carries out training and awareness-raising measures for our employees to promote a strong awareness of ethical issues. This enables us to identify and address quality problems at an early stage and reduces the risk that our technologies could harm society. Through these measures, digital humanism at msg Plaut is not just a short-term trend, but a long-term, integral part of our corporate management.
More information about Digital Humanism can be found at digitalerhumanismus.business
