What does a good life mean in a modern, digital, and globalized world? Which social and economic framework conditions are decisive in enabling sustainable quality of life for all? And what role does interdisciplinary research play in achieving this?
Katja Anclam and Christoph Henseler, founders and managing directors of difgl, address these and other questions. As an institution at the interface of science and practice, difgl combines research, science communication, and consulting, all with the aim of actively shaping social change.
In the interview, Anclam and Henseler talk about the founding of the institute, the importance of interdisciplinary work, and the current challenges.
1. Why is an institute like difgl more important today than ever?
We live in an age of rapid technological change and global challenges. At the same time, the need for meaning, social cohesion, and sustainable development is growing.
The difgl offers a space to consider technological developments not in isolation, but to place them in the context of human needs and social values. Our interdisciplinary approach makes it possible to build bridges between science, business, and society – and thereby develop truly effective solutions.
The question of the good life is one of the central challenges of our time. We see ourselves as a platform to illuminate this question from various interdisciplinary perspectives and to find new ways together.
2. How did the institute come to be founded, and what distinguishes it?
The founding of difgl in 2021 arose from the need to link science and research with media and communication. Our goal was to create a new type of institute that not only conducts research but also communicates and provides concrete social impetus.
It was already foreseeable at this point that a phase of change was imminent, which would require new approaches, questions, and answers.
We see ourselves as an interface between technological change and human life. In times in which great ideologies are losing influence, we want to specifically ask the question: “How do we want to live well – and how can we achieve this goal?” Through interdisciplinary collaboration and broad social debates, we seek answers to this central question.
3. The institute works at the interface between science and practice. Its expertise lies not only in research but also in science communication and consulting. Why are interdisciplinary institutions so important today?
The future is uncertain and complex, which is why institutions are needed that unite a wide range of perspectives. Research can only have a real social impact if its results are communicated in an understandable way and made practically applicable.
The difgl researches, advises, communicates, and produces – it is an integrative approach that is necessary to meet the challenges of our time. Digitalization, AI, sustainable mobility, or education are not isolated topics. They interlock and must be considered in an interdisciplinary manner in order to find sustainable and innovative solutions.
Through the close connection between science and practice, we also want to ensure that research results do not remain in academic circles but contribute concretely to shaping a better future.
4. What does a “good life” mean to you, and how can this concept be realized in a modern, digital, and globalized society?
For us, the “good life” is a central guiding idea, a vision that unites various social and individual perspectives. It is a cipher for our shared ideas of a livable social coexistence and of a dignified working and private life.
In a modern, digital, and globalized society, a good life means shaping technological and economic developments in such a way that they promote individual and collective well-being without exacerbating social inequalities or overburdening ecological resources. That is why we at difgl analyze this question from different perspectives – from digitalization and artificial intelligence to mobility and media and communication.
A good life is not something rigid. It must be redefined jointly in society and in interdisciplinary processes. This is not about renunciation, but about the question of how we can develop a sustainable, socially just, and yet innovative model for the future in which it is good to live.
5. Which social and economic framework conditions do you consider decisive in enabling as many people as possible to have a good life?
The new reality also brings new opportunities.
In this new world with new challenges, we must come to a new understanding of how we want to build a beautiful, just, and good society in which we can all live well.
These are, in part, very traditional questions – but they must be answered in new ways. These include, for example:
How do we design education that prepares people for the future – with digital and classic methods – and that lasts a lifetime?
What does an economic model look like that, under new conditions, provides the things and services that we all need for a good life and generates prosperity – without plunging us into depression or destroying the world?
And: What political structures and innovations do we need that promote transparent and inclusive participation of all social groups?
Our world has become more complex and interconnected. National or local solutions alone are not enough – we must think in global value chains. At the same time, one thing remains constant: our natural foundations of life must be preserved. The difgl is committed to precisely this integrative consideration of economic, social, and ecological factors.
