Between November 9th – 13th 2006, the University of Bucharest organizes a series of dialogues concerning the economic, social and institutional transformation generated by technological change. The program includes a book launch in the presence of author Natan Sharansk, a former Soviet dissident, prominent personality of the political life and author of important papers on liberty, identity and democracy, an international academic workshop and a series of dialogue-centered conferences dedicated to contemporary challenges and the resilience of the Romanian society. The book launch, the academic workshop and the sessions of the conference are open to the general public.
Reunited under the subject “Social and institutional changes under the impact of contemporary technological revolution”, the events raise questions that concern not only academic research, but also public life: How does artificial intelligence change economy and work? How can institutions respond to uncertainty and maintain citizens’ trust? What contribution do identity and cooperation between institutions and communities have on democratic resilience? Is Romania ready for the structural changes that are predicted to emerge in the coming years?
Students, teaching staff, researchers, administrative personnel, business representatives and the civil society, as well as all those interested in these topics are welcomed to take part in the meetings and debates.
“The contemporary technological revolution doesn’t just transform economy and the labour market, but the institutional architecture of society itself and the mechanisms through which we cooperate, make decisions and govern ourselves. It is the matter of rethinking governance systems for a fundamentally different world. For Romania, the stakes are high. Through this series of events, we aim to connect dialogue top international research, the academic community and public policy makers in a dialogue that can contribute in developing a national approach to these transformations” notes professor Paul Dragoș Aligică, teaching member of the UB Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies.
Monday, November 9th 2026, between 4 and 6 PM, in the “Petre Antonescu” Hall of the UB Faculty of Law (no. 36-46 Mihail Kogălniceanu Boulevard), Natan Sharansky will launch his new book, Defending Identity: Its Indispensable Role in Protecting Democracy. The meeting will provide an opportunity for dialogue on the relationship between identity, freedom, and democracy, as well as on the cultural and moral resources through which societies can respond to polarisation and authoritarian pressures. The book launch will be followed by a book-signing session.
Wednesday, November 11th 2026, from 3 to 6.30 Pm, the University House (no. 46, Dionisie Lupu St.) will host the international academic workshop “Rethinking the economic theory and governance systems in the light of technological and institutional changes of the 21st century”, organised within the framework of the CIVIS European University Alliance. The workshop is designed as a conversation among researchers, with dedicated time for questions and contributions from the audience. The two panels will address economic transformations and their implications for the organisation and governance of society:
3 PM – 4.30 PM: “AI, economic change, firms and the economic theory of the 21st century”, with Samuele Murtinu, from Utrecht University, and Félix-Fernando Muñoz Pérez, of the Autonomous University of Madrid. The discussion will examine the impact of artificial intelligence on firms, relationship between people and technology, and the way in which understand economic change.
5 PM – 6.30 PM: „Capitalism, institutions and governing technological, economic and social changes” with David Gindis of the University of Warwick and Giampaolo Garzarelli, of Sapienza University of Rome. The panel will explore institutional adaptation, the role of expertise, and opportunities for experimentation in governance and public policy.
The program also includes two closed work meetings dedicated to academic cooperation and preparations for an CIVIS Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) and a summer school in 2027. Dennis Snower of University College London will also join these activities.
Thursday, November 12th 2026, the public is invited in the Council Hall of the UB Faculty of History (no. 4-12 Regina Elisabeta Boulevard) to attend an international conference on “Sectoral Imbalances, Organisational Shocks, and Societal Resilience”. The event aims to develop national approach for Romania with a 2030 horizon, connecting the analysis of contemporary transformations to governance problems and institutional capacity. Throughout the day, three international dialogues will be pursued:
11 AM – 12.30 PM: “Democratic regress, technological transformation and institutional resilience”, with Michael Zürn of the WZB Berlin Social Science Center and Freie Universität Berlin.
1.30 PM – 3.30 PM: “Governance, Adaptation, and State Capacity in an Era of Uncertainty,” featuring Alasdair S. Roberts of the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
4 PM – 5.30 PM: “From Crisis Management to Whole-of-Society Resilience,” featuring Duncan Shaw of the University of Manchester.
The discussions will examine how democratic institutions respond to technological and social pressures, the state’s capacity to learn and adapt, and cooperation among public administration, the business sector, civil society, and citizens in anticipating and managing crises..
On Friday, November 13th 2026, the program will continue at Victoria Palace, with the day dedicated to the theme “From Analysis to Public Policy.” The official opening, scheduled for 10.30 AM, will bring together representatives of the Government of Romania, the University of Bucharest, and the organizing institutions.
From 11 AM to 1 PM, professor Paul Dragoș Aligică, PhD, will moderate the international panel “Governing Technological and Institutional Transformation,” featuring Michael Zürn, Alasdair S. Roberts, Duncan Shaw, and David Gindis. The discussion will address state capacity, organisational transformation and societal resilience, in dialogue with representatives of Romania’s institutional community.
Starting 1 PM, a working lunch and thematic roundtables will provide a setting for discussing potential courses of action and opportunities for collaboration concerning the future of public administration, the transformation of labour, and the role of communities in building resilience. The conference will conclude at 2.30 PM.
Further information and details regarding the participation to the events can be inquired at the email address andreea-mihaela.cartis@unibuc.ro.
Postări asemănătoare:
The University of Bucharest Won the “Interdisciplinary Institutional Platform for Excellence in Research, Development and Professional Training in the Field of Archaeological Sciences” Project within the “Institutional Development Projects – RDI Excellence Funding Projects” Competition
Series of events of the Bucharest University Publishing House – Bucharest University Press: attendance at “Bookfest” International Book Fair, poetry marathon, celebration of the “International Book Day”, reopening of the EUB-BUP bookstore and new editorial launches
The 2021 edition of Local CIVIS Days Bucharest reached its final after a week full of conferences, competitions and activities dedicated to the university community
