How is digitalization changing the professional practice of social work? The nationwide research project DIGITASA addresses this question. It focuses on the experiences and assessments of professionals and managers from various fields within social work. A conference on November 6th in Bremen will specifically examine how digitalization and artificial intelligence are changing social work and what demands this places on professionals and managers in social service organizations.
Digitalization from a practical perspective: The DIGITASA research project arose against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. The contact restrictions in 2020 and 2021 led to the increased use of digital technologies and working methods in many areas of social work. DIGITASA investigates how these developments affect work processes, organizations, and professional practice.
Since 2021, three nationwide surveys with different focuses have been conducted:
- 2021: Changes in social work practice through digital technologies and experiences of students, volunteers, professionals and managers.
- 2023: Organizational changes, implementation of digital offerings, and the impact on expertise and professionalism.
- 2025: The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in social work and related professional and ethical issues.
Insights for professionals and organizations
DIGITASA aims to systematically capture experiences from professional practice and contribute them to academic discourse. The insights gained are intended to contribute to the further development of digitalization strategies and support knowledge transfer between research, education, and practice.
For professionals, managers and social work providers, the surveys offer starting points for reflecting on digital transformation processes, professional requirements and the use of AI in their own field of work.
DIGITASA conference in Bremen – already fully booked
In addition to the nationwide surveys, DIGITASA is offering a conference in Bremen on November 6, 2026, which will focus on professional exchange regarding digitalization and artificial intelligence in social work. The event, "Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence from the Perspective of Social Workers – Opportunities, Risks, and Design Options," will take place at the House of Science and will provide an opportunity to connect scientific findings with practical perspectives.
The conference is fully booked. Registration is no longer possible. Further information about the event is available on the DIGITASA website
The results of previous surveys are available online. Further information and results of the nationwide surveys can be found at: www.digitasa.de/ergebnisse
