Release | The Digital Transformation of Social Research: On the Emulation of Theory within Theory and the Emergence of Repository-Based Academic Writing

Abstract: The digital transformation of social research has significantly expanded the empirical and methodological capacities of the social sciences. Yet, social theory itself remains largely shaped by analogue modes of thinking and writing. This paper aims to explore what a digital transformation of social theory would entail, with particular attention to the implications for theory […]

Event | When Programmes Disagree About Programmes: Code Poetry and the Problem of Programme–Programme Communication

What happens when programmes interpret programmes? As decision-making becomes increasingly mediated by computational procedures, interactions between programmes themselves come into view as a potential site of communication. This workshop explores the challenge of programme–programme communication through the case of code poetry—an artefact that simultaneously invites formal execution and semantic interpretation. Drawing on a moderated dialogue […]

Talk | Can social theory run like code? @Wolfson College, University of Cambridge

I look forward to sharing my thoughts on how digitalisation reshapes social theory at Wolfson College, University of Cambridge. Title: Digital Transformation of Social Theory Date: 25/11/2025 Venue: Gatsby Room (Chancellor’s Centre), Wolfson College, Barton Road, Cambridge, United Kingdom & Teams Overview: This talk outlines a programme to build a universal social theory machine: a […]

CFP | JOCM | Reprogramming. Observed with social systems theory

Special Issue of the Journal of Organizational Change Management (SSCI 2.7, Scopus Q2, CABS**, FNEGE**, VHB***) on Reprogramming. Observed with social systems theory Guest Editors: Steffen Roth, Excelia Business School, France; University of Cambridge, United Kingdom Vladislav Valentinov, Leibniz Institute of Agricultural Development in Transition Economies, Halle, Germany; Next Society Institute, Kazimieras Simonavičius University, Lithuania […]

Release | Digital transformation of management and organization theories

Roth S. (2023), Digital transformation of management and organization theories. A research programme, Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Vol. 40, No. 3, pp. 451-459 [SSCI 2.700, Scopus, CABS**]. Abstract: This article draws on the groundwork by George Spencer Brown and Niklas Luhmann to outline a general framework for the digital transformation of management and organization […]

Release | George Spencer Brown’s “Design with the NOR”: With Related Essays

A polymath and author of Laws of Form, George Spencer Brown, brought together mathematics, electronics, engineering and philosophy to form an unlikely bond. This book investigates Design with NOR, the title of the yet unpublished 1961 typescript by Spencer Brown. Available as e-book or for pre-order in print. Suggested citation: Roth S., Heidingsfelder M., Clausen […]

Release | Special Issue | Digital transformation of social theory

Digital transformation of social theory | Virtual Special Issue of Technological Forecasting and Social Change [SSCI 5.846, Scopus, CNRS***, CABS***, VHB***]. Introduction Steffen Roth, Harry F. Dahms, Frank Welz, and Sandro Cattacin: Print theories of computer societies. Introduction to the digital transformation of social theory Abstract: ICT and the increasing availability of digital data are […]

Release | Print theories of computer societies. Introduction to the digital transformation of social theory

Roth S., Dahms H., Welz F., and Cattacin S. (2019), Print theories of computer societies. Introduction to the digital transformation of social theory, Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Vol. 149, 119778 [SSCI 5.846, Scopus, CNRS***, FNEGE***, CABS***, VHB***]. The article is for download here. Highlights The digital transformation is fundamentally changing research contexts and conditions in the […]

Release | Harnessing big data for a multifunctional theory of the firm

Roth S., Schwede P., Valentinov V., Pérez-Valls M., and Kaivo-oja J. (2020) Harnessing big data for a multifunctional theory of the firm, European Management Journal, Vol. 38 No. 1, pp. 54-61 [SSCI 2.985, Scopus, CNRS**, FNEGE**, CABS**, VHB***]. This article has been assessed as Top 10 article co-/authored by Lithuanian-based researchers in the field of social sciences […]