Open BTU: The great (re)transformation of 1989 and its consequences. How the transformation changed our society and is shaping our present

The great (re)transformation of 1989 and its consequences. How the transformation has changed our society and is shaping our present.

Many people who talk about today's structural change in Lusatia refer to the upheaval of 1989 and the transformation following reunification. While some emphasise the failure of the transformation and see a pronounced "transformation fatigue", even resistance to new upheavals, others emphasise the successes and a high level of "transformation competence". The lecture will look at the history of transformation after 1989 in order to ask, on the one hand, how it still characterises our lives after 35 years. On the other hand, we will discuss what the upheaval of that time has to do with the transformation challenges and opportunities for action in Lusatia today. Is history repeating itself? Can we learn from it? What should we do differently?

Speaker: Prof. Dr Raj Kollmorgen, Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences, Vice-Rector for Research and Chair of Social Change Management

Moderation: Prof. Dr. Melanie Jaeger-Erben, BTU, Chair of Technology and Environmental Sociology and Thomas Hasenauer, BTU, Centre for Continuing Education

Venue

BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg, Audimax 1 (Konrad-Wachsmann-Allee 3, 03046 Cottbus)

About the Open BTU lecture series

From 16 October 2024 to 29 January 2025, the public lecture series "Open BTU" offers insights into exciting scientific fields. In the winter semester, the following topics will be examined from different perspectives:

• 70 years of art in architecture in Germany

• Our Lusatia in transition - a look at the energy and economic turnaround from a historical and future perspective

With this educational format, which is open to all interested parties, the university's Centre for Continuing Education supports lifelong learning and funds the transfer of knowledge and ideas in the region by addressing socially relevant issues. The BTU co-operates with other universities and institutions. Each lecture will be followed by an opportunity for questions and dialogue with the speakers. Anyone interested is cordially invited to take part in the wide-ranging programme of events.