WorkshopBeyond Transparency: Algorithmic Management and Socio‑Technical Accountability in Platform Work
XU Exponential University, Potsdam in collaboration with the Berlin Social Science Center (WZB)
About the Workshop
This one-day expert workshop brings together researchers, unions, NGOs, platform representatives, and policy/practice actors to examine how algorithmic management shapes working conditions and representation in the German platform economy.
The workshop approaches algorithmic management as a socio-technical accountability challenge that moves beyond the limits of existing transparency debates. It explores how worker rights, regulatory requirements and sustainable business models can be better aligned to support a more equitable platform economy.
Why This Workshop Now
Regulatory Momentum
AI Act & Platform Work Directive shaping new regulations
Changing Labour Dynamics
Shifts in power, data, and representation in platform work
Accountability Challenges
Building practical models for fair and inclusive algorithmic management
Concept & Framing
The workshop conceptualises algorithmic management as a socio-technical system that structures labour processes, allocates risks, and redistributes power across platforms, workers, and regulators.
Rather than focusing exclusively on transparency, the workshop foregrounds accountability, participation, and co-determination. It connects empirical research with regulatory debates and practice-based perspectives from worker organisations and platform governance initiatives.
Programme Overview
Arrival and registration
Opening: welcome, framing of aims, AM in platform work, regulatory context (AI Act & Platform Work Directive)
Expert Session 1: Labour process and power under algorithmic management
Lunch break (catered, mingling time)
Expert Session 2: Data power, worker organisation and platform accountability
Coffee break
Expert Session 3: Participation, co‑determination and governing algorithmic management
Fairwork/XU findings in dialogue + closing synthesis and next steps
Speakers
Main Academic Inputs
Dr Heiner Heiland
University of Göttingen
Labour process and algorithmic management
Dr Jessica Pidoux
PersonalData.IO
Data power, worker organisation, and platform accountability
Dr Anne Mollen
University of Münster
AI, participation and co-determination
Moderation & Discussants
- Dr Patrick Feuerstein & WZB Fairwork Team
- Worker representatives from the Lieferando Works Council
- Policy & NGO Stakeholders: Miriam Oliver (GIZ), Joanna Brodnowska (Centre for Interdisciplinary Labour Law Studies, European University Viadrina)
- As well as further discussants and stakeholders (to be confirmed).
Request a Place
We have a limited number of additional seats for researchers, unions, NGOs, platform representatives, and policy/practice actors working on platform work, algorithmic management, worker representation, or related governance questions.
Places are limited due to room size and the interactive format.