Digital Tranformation and Innovation – Power Sparx

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Jan Doria, researcher in AI ethics and disinformation and trainee at the European Parliament in Brussels. Together, we explore why Artificial Intelligence should not become the ultimate authority on truth, why disinformation is far more complex than a simple distinction between “true” and “false”, and why human judgement remains essential. We also discuss the urgent need for broader AI literacy and media competence across society – and why responsible AI ultimately depends on informed, critical and empowered users.


A short note: This conversation was recorded in May. As the publication it refers to was delayed, the release of this podcast episode was postponed accordingly.


Guest: Jan Doria (PhD), AI ethics and disinformation researcher and Visiting Lecturer at Stuttgart Media University, Germany


Host: Kristina Bodrožić-Brnić, Institute Manager at the Institute for Digital Transformation and Innovation (BSP Business and Law School), Germany

How do digital platforms change not only what we communicate, but the way democratic societies function? Using Brazil as a case study, this episode explores algorithms, attention economies, disinformation and moral polarisation – and how digital communication can amplify authoritarian populism and weaken shared spaces for democratic debate.


The episode accompanies Volume 3 of the Springer series Digital Transformation and Innovation: AI and the Ethics of Innovation – Responsibility in Practice.


Guest: Pedro de Almeida Pires Camargos, doctoral candidate in Sociology at the University of São Paulo and co-author of the chapter From Analogue to Digital Communication: Economic and Moral Pressures on Functional Differentiation in the Brazilian Context, together with Lucas Amato and Laurindo D. Minhoto.


Host: Kristina Bodrožić-Brnić, Institute Manager at the Institute for Digital Transformation and Innovation (BSP Business and Law School), Germany.


Book: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-032-20638-1


Chapter – From Analogue to Digital Communication: Economic and Moral Pressures on Functional Differentiation in the Brazilian Context


https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-032-20638-1_3

How should governments and companies use Artificial Intelligence in public spaces? Using the São Paulo Metro as a case study, this episode explores facial analysis, biometric data, transparency and accountability in urban transportation.


This is the first Power Sparx episode accompanying Volume 3 of the Springer series Digital Transformation and Innovation: AI and the Ethics of Innovation: Responsibility in Practice.


Guest: Prof. Cristina Godoy Bernardo de Oliveira, Professor of Law at the University of São Paulo and co-author of the chapter discussed in this episode. (Prof. Godoy is also representing her co-authors Bernardo de Oliveira, Otavio de Paula Albuquerque, Emily Liene Belotti, Isabella Ferreira Lopes, Tiago Augustini de Lima, João Victor Palermo Gianecchini)


Host: Kristina Bodrožić-Brnić, Institute Manager at the Institute for Digital Transformation and Innovation, Germany.


Book: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-032-20638-1


Chapter – “Legal and Ethical Implications of AI in Urban Transportation: A Case Study from São Paulo”: https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-032-20638-1_15

How can digitalisation move the hospitality industry beyond competition toward true ecosystem collaboration? In this episode of Digital Transformation & Innovation – Power Sparx, Kristina speaks with Heidi Vähänikkilä, researcher and lecturer at Laurea University of Applied Sciences and the Estonian Business School, about how digital platforms and co-creation practices are reshaping business model innovation in hospitality, tourism, and events. Based on her newly published research in Digital Transformation in Knowledge Transfer: Shaping the Future, Heidi shares how tools like collaborative online platforms enable knowledge transfer across company boundaries, foster resilient post-pandemic business models, and require a powerful shift in mindset, leadership, and trust. Tune in to explore how ecosystem thinking, human-centered digital collaboration, and shared value creation can unlock new growth paths for an industry in transformation.


Guest: Heidi Vähänikkilä, Senior Lecturer in Hospitality Management at Laurea University of Applied Sciences (Finland)


Host: Kristina Bodrožić-Brnić, Institute Manager at the Institute for Digital Transformation and Innovation (Germany)


Further Reading & Resources:


The article “Digitalisation Enhancing Ecosystem Thinking and Business Model Innovation Through Co-creation”


https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-032-07329-7_7


The Institute for Digital Transformation and Innovation https://www.businessschool-berlin.de/science/institute-for-digital-transformation-innovation/


Episode 05 with Miia Vakkuri on collaborative learning models.


https://open.spotify.com/episode/2e4n0cZ1unVAiin1Ybf6RU