AI Evening: Sustainable Behaviour – What Really Works and What Falls Flat? Insights from Psychology & Behavioural Economics

with IT Prof. Elisabeth Gsottbauer at the Digital City Studio

There are plenty of symbolic gestures – but which measures actually lead to more sustainable behaviour? And why do many well-intentioned initiatives have little impact in practice, while instruments such as carbon pricing can create powerful incentives once we understand how they work?

In a relaxed setting, we will explore current scientific findings, impact analyses, and the psychological mechanisms behind our consumption and decision-making behaviour – as well as how AI can support this process.

Key questions include:

What do scientific impact analyses show: Which measures create real change, and which are little more than window dressing?
Why is sustainable behaviour psychologically so difficult for us – even when we genuinely want to act sustainably?
Why are economic policy instruments such as carbon taxes so effective once we understand the mechanisms behind them?
How can data and AI-based analyses help design effective frameworks and policies?

The evening will critically place research findings and scientific evidence within their broader social and economic context.

Following an introductory talk by Prof. Elisabeth Gsottbauer, participants will take part in a short exchange with the people seated next to them to sharpen the questions for the joint discussion that follows.

Afterwards, there will be time for informal conversations and personal exchange. Visitors will also have the opportunity to try out a range of digital technologies, including a VR headset, a robot dog, and an augmented reality sandbox.