Artificial intelligence, Big Tech, and data-driven business models are reshaping economies, societies, and democratic institutions. This book argues that ordoliberalism — often mistakenly equated with laissez-faire neoliberalism — provides a powerful and highly relevant framework for governing AI and digital capitalism.
Combining the history of economic thought, political philosophy, constitutional economics, business ethics, and computer ethics, the study develops the concept of “Ordoliberalism 2.0.” Building on the works of Walter Eucken, Franz Böhm, Wilhelm Röpke, and Alexander Rüstow, it translates ordoliberal principles into the context of platform monopolies, algorithmic governance, AI ethics, and data capitalism.
The book examines how rule-based governance, competition policy, and constitutional principles can help address the societal risks posed by Big Tech and AI, including monopolistic power, algorithmic opacity, democratic fragility, and threats to human dignity and the rule of law. It offers an interdisciplinary framework for academics, policymakers, regulators, and professionals engaged in AI governance and digital regulation.
