About DELab UW

DELab UW

(Digital Economy Lab, University of Warsaw)

DELab UW (Digital Economy Lab of the University of Warsaw) DELab is an interdisciplinary research center at the University of Warsaw dedicated to analyzing the digital transformation of the economy, society, and public institutions. DELab conducts research on the economic, social, regulatory, and cultural implications of the development of digital technologies, particularly datafication, automation, artificial intelligence, and digital platforms.

DELab UW was established on December 1, 2013, under an agreement with the University of Warsaw. The aim of this agreement was to create an interdisciplinary research center that would bring together economists, sociologists, lawyers, and computer scientists to pioneer new directions for collaboration between academia, business, and the media. Since December 2020, DELab UW has been implementing a project under the IDUB program (measure II.3.6 – Impactful Digital Alliance). DELab UW operates as University of Warsaw Center of Excellence from 2024, as part of the program Initiative for Excellence – Research University (IDUB).

Research conducted at DELab UW includes, among others:

  • digital economy and business model transformation,
  • digitalization of social processes and institutions
  • the impact of automation and artificial intelligence on the labor market, trade and productivity,
  • regulations of digital markets and digital economy law,
  • digitalization of public services, including healthcare,
  • digital transformation of cities and housing markets,
  • digitalization of the cultural and creative sectors,
  • processes of deep mediatization and communication changes in society.

At DELab, we combine basic and applied research, carrying out scientific projects, expert opinions and analyses for public institutions and international organizations.

Mission of the DELab UW Center of Excellence

DELab UW works to support the understanding, design, and implementation of responsible digital transformation of the economy and society, based on reliable scientific research, interdisciplinary analysis, and dialogue with the public and economic environment.

DELab UW Support:

  • public decision-makers – by providing analyses, expertise and recommendations supporting the creation of public policies and regulations in the areas of the digital economy, labor market, health, cities and culture;
  • European and national institutions – through research on the effects of digital regulations and their role in shaping global standards;
  • enterprises and organizations – through research on the implementation of digital technologies, automation, AI and digital competences, as well as dedicated programs to support enterprises in the change that is digital transformation
  • academic community – through the development of scientific knowledge, publications in international journals and monographs and the training of a new generation of researchers;
  • society – by disseminating knowledge about the consequences of digital transformation for work and social inequalities, the functioning of public services, the quality of democracy and cultural practices

DELab UW's mission is to combine fundamental and applied research so that knowledge about digitalization can truly support public and private decision-making. The center focuses on the key processes shaping the modern economy – datafication, automation, platformization and algorithmization – and their economic, social and regulatory consequences.

DELab UW acts as a bridge between science and practice, strengthening the University of Warsaw's ability to respond to the key challenges of digital transformation in Poland, Europe and globally.

DELab UW Management (Center of Excellence):

  • Managing Director: prof. UW Catherine Sledziewska.
  • Scientific Director: prof. UW Renata of Italy.

Heads of departments (6 departments of the Centre of Excellence):

  • prof. UW  Joanna Siwińska-Gorzelak – Digital Transformation Challenges Workshop (Enterprises, Work, Skills).
  • prof. UW  Magdalena Słok-Wódkowska – Regulatory Changes in Digital Markets Workshop.
  • Ph.D. Marta Kolodziejska – Deep Mediatization Workshop.
  • dr Kristof Gyodi – Workshop on Digital Transformation of Cities.
  • dr Wojciech Hardy – Workshop on Digitization in the Cultural and Creative Sectors.
  • prof. UW Anna Nicinska – Workshop on Creating Public Policies in Health Care. 

Research projects

DELab UW carries out projects financed from national and international funds, including programs Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, National Science Centre, National Centre for Research and Development and research assignments for European Union institutions. Projects include the implementation of artificial intelligence in enterprises, digital innovation in SMEs, employee digital competences, digital market regulation, urban policies, and the accessibility of cultural content in the digital environment.

 

Publications

The publications of DELab UW researchers include articles indexed in Scopus and Web of Science, scientific monographs, and expert reports. These publications cover topics such as the digital economy, work automation, artificial intelligence regulation, digital healthcare, international trade, and public policies in the digital age.

 

Cooperation with business

DELab UW collaborates with businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), combining research with training and consulting activities in the area of ​​digital transformation. This collaboration encompasses both the analysis of digitization processes and digital competencies, as well as practical support for companies in designing and implementing organizational changes related to the use of digital technologies.

Through its ongoing projects, DELab UW develops the team's training and coaching skills, enabling it to conduct workshops, training sessions, and development processes for management and employees. This activity complements scientific research on digitalization, enabling the application of its findings in business practice.

 

Expert and teaching activities

DELab UW provides expert services to public administration, European institutions, and international organizations. The Center engages students and doctoral candidates in research projects and participates in public debate on the social, economic, and political implications of digital transformation.