The public sphere in the digital age: the end of consensus?
When political debates harden and social consensus erodes, classic explanatory models fall short. At the heart of this keynote stands the macro-sociological perspective: it reveals how the digital medium is fundamentally rebuilding the architecture of our democracy. The talk analyses the profound shifts in political will-formation, the emergence of new societal power structures and the changed conditions for social cohesion. Instead of short-term trends, the tectonic plate shifts of our society are made visible. The audience gains a sharpened view of the dynamics of a public sphere that is re-forming entirely under the conditions of digital connectedness.
Topics in focus
Political will-formation | Democracy in the digital shift | Public sphere and discourse | New power structures | Social cohesion | Polarisation | Trust and legitimacy
Bookable formats & workshop packages
Every event sets its own accents. The impulse is available in three formats, from a compact inspiration on the main stage to an interactive transfer into practice. We deliver the impulses flexibly on site or as a digital event.
Keynote
The classic stage format
We deliver the keynote as a concise impulse talk between 30 and 60 minutes: compact, to the point and individually tailored to your stage and your audience.
Impulse talk & workshop
Impulse with an in-depth practice session
The keynote is followed by a facilitated workshop in which the group experiences the ideas first-hand and transfers them directly to a concrete question from their own organisation.
Impulse day
The comprehensive strategy or transformation workshop
The keynote provides the inspiring kick-off, followed by facilitated workshops, interaction groups and targeted work with our proven tools on a predefined objective.
The speakers: Sarah Nünlist & Marc Leuzinger
Marc Leuzinger and Sarah Nünlist are the authors of the Theory of the Digital Society and the strategy duo behind TRIB3S. They combine the intellectual depth of their systems-theory approach with the real challenges of modern leadership. With their approachable, inspiring manner they translate complex dynamics into compelling narratives that stick. Depending on the format and objective, the two appear as a well-rehearsed duo or as individual speakers.
You'll find selected references directly in our FAQs, or we're happy to provide them on request.
She is driven by the design space that the new opens up — using it to develop products and models that genuinely move us forward as a society.
Sarah Nünlist
In the logic of complex systems Marc finds the foundation for intelligent strategy. His goal is to give organizations a coherent core for a networked world.
Marc Leuzinger
Bring orientation to your stage
Let's talk about how we can set the right systemic impulse for your conference or congress.
Frequently asked questions
Who is this impulse particularly suited to?
This impulse talk is aimed at political decision-makers, parliamentary groups, party committees and foundations, as well as leaders in associations, public authorities and civil-society organisations who need to understand and steer the mechanisms of modern opinion-formation.
What value does the macro-sociological perspective offer for political practice?
Instead of stopping at day-to-day politics or short-lived social-media hypes, the impulse exposes the structural causes of polarisation and the loss of consensus. Decision-makers gain a deep understanding of the new network dynamics of the Digital Society – and thus the intellectual toolkit for connectable political communication.
Can specific political debates or topics be integrated?
Yes. In the extended workshop formats (half-day and full-day) we use the preliminary talk to weave in current challenges, legislative projects or communication crises of your organisation as targeted case studies.
Where can we find references to previous appearances?
Our impulses have proven themselves in both politics and business. References include renowned events such as the national CNO Panel or the international CV Summit, closed internal leadership retreats of companies and political bodies (parliamentary-group and party meetings), as well as academic events such as The European DAO Workshop. On request we are happy to send you specific references.
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