“I am particularly interested in examining how digital transformation is regulated and influenced through the implementation of standards.”

An interview with our fellow Lea Maria Radke

An interdisciplinary analysis of normative issues in governance

Romy & Jonathan: Hello Lea, you have been a member of the Research Training Group since June 2023. Could you share the motivations that led you to apply for the RTG “Standards of Governance”?

Lea: My decision to apply for the RTG “Standards of Governance” was motivated by several factors. Primarily, my research interests in political theory and my strong focus on the field of governance played a central role. Additionally, the RTG offers a unique opportunity to explore normative questions of governance from an interdisciplinary perspective, which I find particularly appealing. I am especially excited by the prospect of engaging in interactive exchanges across disciplines. Furthermore, the structured framework of the programme provides an excellent environment for advancing my own research. The close supervision and opportunities for international networking were also significant incentives for my application.

“Ultimately, standards encompass not only rules, requirements, and expectations but also power dynamics.”

Romy & Jonathan: The title of the RTG is quite broad. What are your preliminary reflections on the concept of “Standards of Governance”?

Lea: The concept of “standards of governance” is particularly appealing to me, as it remains largely undefined and offers significant potential for exploration. It provides the opportunity to examine governance from various normative and analytical perspectives. For me, this entails investigating foundational questions regarding how governance can be defined and assessed, as well as exploring the extent to which different actors exert governance through standards. Ultimately, standards encompass not only rules, requirements, and expectations but also power dynamics.

Romy & Jonathan: What is the focus of your research, and in which thematic direction is your dissertation progressing?

Lea: My research interests center on digital transformation and the associated implications and challenges for democracy, particularly with regard to changes in the democratic public sphere and privacy. Specifically, I am interested in examining how these challenges are addressed and how digital transformation is regulated and shaped through standards. At present, my project focuses on the European Union’s efforts and its digital strategy.

Romy & Jonathan: Thank you for providing insight into your project. To what degree does your research hold social relevance?

Lea: Digitalization impacts and transforms nearly all sectors of society and politics, thereby affecting all citizens. These developments possess the potential to exert a lasting negative influence on the relationship between the state, democracy, and society. As such, regulating digitalization appears to be an inevitability. However, the critical issue lies in how the digital transformation is regulated and shaped.

“The interdisciplinary approach of the programme also opens up new perspectives”

Romy & Jonathan: Has your doctoral project evolved or become more focused since you joined the RTG programme?

Lea: Since joining the RTG, my doctoral project has become more focused. The interdisciplinary exchanges and discussions with fellow participants have provided valuable insights, particularly regarding the role of standards in shaping the digital transformation.

Romy & Jonathan: A doctorate within a Research Training Group differs from other forms of doctoral study in several ways. In your view, what are the key advantages of pursuing a doctorate within such a framework?

Lea: A particularly noteworthy aspect is the strong integration with a structured programme that fosters regular exchanges across different academic disciplines. Additionally, the numerous workshops and events provide valuable opportunities to enhance both methodological and theoretical knowledge. The interdisciplinary nature of the programme also offers fresh perspectives that may be less prevalent in traditional doctoral programmes.

“Interdisciplinarity allows me to examine and critically reflect on my topic from a variety of perspectives.”

Romy & Jonathan: The RTG comprises political scientists, sociologists, philosophers, and legal scholars. How does this interdisciplinarity and diversity contribute to the development of your doctoral project?

Lea: Other academic disciplines naturally provide new perspectives and focal points, while the interdisciplinary working groups among the fellows play a crucial role in developing a concept of standards that extends beyond the confines of my own research field. Moreover, interdisciplinarity allows me to examine and critically reflect on my topic from a variety of perspectives.

Romy & Jonathan: How does the collaboration between the Goethe University and the Technical University of Darmstadt influence your research and doctoral project?

Lea: For me, it is particularly beneficial that both the department of Political Theory in Frankfurt and Darmstadt are involved in the RTG. The collaboration between the two universities provides infrastructural advantages and expands the network of researchers, enhancing the overall research environment.

“Initial findings from the collaboration within the Research Training Group can now be integrated into the project.”

Romy & Jonathan: What benefits do you anticipate gaining from the international research opportunities provided within the framework of the Research Training Group?

Lea: I believe that a change of perspective consistently offers new insights and impetus for one’s own work. Additionally, research stays provide valuable opportunities to establish new international connections.

Romy & Jonathan: What are the key focus areas and objectives of your research in the coming months?

Lea: After a productive year, the project has developed to a stage where detailed work on the individual chapters can now be undertaken. Furthermore, initial findings from the collaboration within the Research Training Group can now be integrated into the project.

Romy & Jonathan: Thank you very much for your interesting answers.

The interview was conducted by Romy Knappe and Jonathan Mück in October 2024.