On the 3rd and 4^th July 2023, our team hosted an interdisciplinary workshop on ownership research at the WU Vienna University of Economics and Business together with Joann Peck (University of Wisconsin-Madison).

Participants and Organizing Committee of the Workshop

In a rapidly evolving world, the concept of ownership has taken on new dimensions that extend far beyond the traditional legal framework. To delve deep into the intricacies of ownership and its related concepts, a thought-provoking workshop was recently held, bringing together over 30 international experts from 25 renowned universities across 9 countries. The workshop provided a captivating platform to exchange expertise and unravel the manifold manifestations and consequences of ownership, possession, and sharing.

A holistic exploration

The workshop embraced a holistic perspective that delved into the psychological and sociocultural underpinnings of ownership. With a diverse array of experts ranging from psychologists to economists, the workshop was poised to deliver a comprehensive understanding of ownership that transcends geographical and disciplinary boundaries. Over the course of two days and eight sessions, discourses set around diverse topics, such as neurological and physiological indicators of ownership, ownership in marketing, digital ownership and privacy issues, as well as psychological ownership and the environment. Ideas and research findings were presented and exchanged in regular talks as well as blitz talks, that enabled a constructive debate on preliminary findings and novel research ideas.

Perspectives on Ownership

On the first day of presentations, we started the workshop by delving into key insights regarding ownership (Session I: “Insights on the concept and the construct”). We engaged in discussions about feelings of ownership and their influences (Session II: “ ’Who’ matters – Mine vs. Yours vs. ours vs. Theirs”). Moving on to the third session, we explored neurological investigations and physiological indicators, along with the impact of product size on psychological ownership (Session III: “From neurology to physiology”). Concluding the first day, we delved into the role of psychological ownership in marketing (Session IV: “Ownership in marketing”).

Impression from the first day of the workshop

On the second day of the workshop, our discussion revolved around the implications of digital technology on ownership and sharing (Session V “ ’Digital’ matters”). We explored the connection between data, privacy, and ownership (Session VI “Data & Information) and we delved into the realms of collecting and consequences of choice (Session VII: “Consequential insights”). Lastly, we examined the concept of psychological ownership in relation to nature and relevant infrastructure (Session VIII: “ ‘World’ matters: Psychological ownership and the environment”).

Impression from the second day of the workshop

Fostering Connections Beyond Sessions: Inspiring Conversations in Social Settings

The rich tapestry of insights woven during the workshop wasn’t confined to the formal sessions alone. A series of well-curated social events provided the perfect backdrop for participants to unwind, exchange ideas, and forge meaningful connections. The experience began with a vibrant get-together prior to the workshop, setting the tone for the days ahead. This informal setting laid the foundation for the great exchange that would define the workshop’s atmosphere.

A guided walking tour allowed participants to discuss their ideas further while exploring the beautiful city of Vienna and the following workshop dinner provided an opportunity to explore ideas from different angles and learn new facts about ownership in a pub quiz. The casual, relaxed environment of these events fostered an atmosphere of shared learning and discovery.

Guided walking tour

Ownership – Reloaded

The workshop ended with a closing session that stimulated critical thinking about a number of key trends and questions that emerged during the workshop. In a world where the boundaries of ownership are continuously being redrawn, this international workshop stood as a testament to the power of collaboration and interdisciplinary exploration. The dialogue and insights generated will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on how we perceive, study, and navigate the complex terrain of ownership, possession, and sharing in the modern era.