Prof. Dr. Armin Grunwald in Business Rap

09/04/2026

Responsibility, Reflection—and Why Technology Must Align with Our Values

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In the short Business Rap we meet Prof. Dr. Armin Grunwald, director of the Institute for Technology Assessment (ITAS) at KIT and a speaker at the 6th Customer Focus Summit in Berlin.

Customer Centricity:
Meet needs or question them?

Questioning Needs

“The sales department will be careful not to question customer needs—but in ethics, it’s okay to do that once in a while.”

Automation:
Outsource decisions or consciously retain responsibility?

Responsibilities must be clarified

“Automation doesn't have to be a problem when it comes to responsibility. It just has to be clear, if the worst comes to the worst, who is liable—it certainly isn't the computer.”

Humanity:
People at the Center, or People as a Check on Technology?

People Remain the Standard

“Without people, there is no technology; for that reason alone, people automatically take center stage: they are the ones who create technology.”

Side effects:
Focus on immediate benefits—or take unintended consequences seriously?

Take the consequences seriously

“Those who turn a blind eye to unintended consequences often end up paying dearly for it later. That's not wise.”

Efficiency:
Act more efficiently or make more thoughtful decisions?

Reflection Before Speed

“Thoughtful decisions are unlikely to lead to inefficient actions; otherwise, they would not be thoughtful.”

Use of AI:
Take advantage of opportunities or set reasonable limits?

Use Wisely

“One should not limit what is sensible, but rather make sensible use of what is possible.”

Society:
Should technological decisions be left to experts or negotiated by society?

It depends

“Boring answer: It depends. Experts can work out a lot of things among themselves, but issues like the final disposal of highly radioactive waste, for example, cannot be resolved without public involvement.”

A Measure of Progress:
Work harder or live better?

Live Better

“Definitely live a better life, and if that means you have to work a little harder sometimes, so be it.”

Design:
Should we follow technology or shape it?

Shaping Technology

“I follow democratic decisions, my Christian faith, and my conscience—but not technology. Technology should be shaped in accordance with our values.”

Sustainability:
Act in the Face of Uncertainty or Wait for Certainty?

Taking Action Despite Uncertainty

“If you want to wait for certainty, it will take a long time. It’s better to act responsibly in the face of uncertainty than to wait forever.”

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Responsibility, Reflection—and Why Technology Must Align with Our Values