In the context of the (digital) transformation of economy and society, the technology acceptance of the population is increasingly influenced by a perceived loss of control through new technologies. Loss of control is defined in this volume as a multi-causal, multi-modal and cyclical process of transition of control and conceptually brought together in a multi-dimensional heuristic model. The results of a first quantitative-empirical analysis for Baden-Württemberg based on this model confirm that loss of control is a central factor influencing technology acceptance, but is perceived differently by different socio-demographic groups.

Dr. Michael Ortiz is head of the research area Technology Transfer and Innovation at the Ferdinand Steinbeis Institute in Stuttgart.