As part of the implementation of research project No. BR21882302 “Kazakhstani Society in the Context of Digital Transformation: Prospects and Risks”, a research trip was carried out from September 10 to 19 by FSRI staff members Ayazhan Sagikyzy and Nurlykhan Aldzhanov to the University of Vienna (Austria) and the Bruno Kessler Foundation (Italy).
The goal was to study the experience of international research centers in the field of digitalization and to establish contacts for academic cooperation.

University of Vienna
Key projects in the field of digital transformation were studied:
• Open Education Austria Advanced – a national platform of open educational resources;
• Digitize! – computational sociology and big data analysis;
• Teaching Digital Thinking – development of digital skills among students of all disciplines;
• Austrian Transition to Open Access 2 – promotion of open science and digital publications.

 A meeting was held with Prof. Martin Rothgangel, where opportunities for joint research and academic exchange were discussed.

 Bruno Kessler Foundation (FBK), Italy
A meeting took place with Dr. Sara Hejazi (Center for Religious Studies), an anthropologist studying the impact of technologies on religious practices, spirituality, and social isolation. Prospects for joint projects at the intersection of technology and the humanities were discussed.

 Prof. Mario De Caro (Italy)
The researchers also met with Prof. Mario De Caro – a renowned philosopher, specialist in moral philosophy and free will, and professor at Roma Tre University. The discussion touched on ethics in the context of digital transformation and possible forms of cooperation, including academic mentoring and joint seminars.

 The research trip marked an important step toward integrating Kazakhstani researchers into international academic networks and expanding the humanitarian dimension of the digital agenda.