Viktor Mayer-Schonberger

Viktor Mayer-Schönberger is Professor of Internet Governance and Regulation at the Oxford Internet Institute and co-author of the international bestseller Big Data: A Revolution That Will Transform How We Live, Work, and Think. Recognised globally for his expertise in data governance, artificial intelligence ethics, and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, he has keynoted for IBM, SAP, Microsoft, Roche, Huawei, Continental, and Bosch, whilst contributing to leading outlets including the New York Times, Financial Times, CNN, and the BBC. His sessions equip leaders to navigate data flows, reshape business models for Industry 4.0, and balance innovation with responsible AI regulation.

When Viktor Mayer-Schönberger co-authored Big Data: A Revolution That Will Transform How We Live, Work, and Think, he set in motion a global conversation about the power and responsibility of data-driven decision making. Now Professor of Internet Governance and Regulation at the Oxford Internet Institute, he has spent years at the forefront of understanding how data flows reshape industries, economies, and societies. His work extends far beyond theory, addressing the practical challenges leaders face as they navigate the Fourth Industrial Revolution, where automation, artificial intelligence, and interconnected systems fundamentally alter traditional business models. With a new book scheduled for publication in September 2026, Viktor continues to push the boundaries of how organisations can harness data whilst maintaining ethical oversight and responsible innovation.

Viktor's credibility stems from decades of applied research and real-world engagement with the most pressing questions of our digital age. His earlier work, Delete: The Virtue of Forgetting in the Digital Age, challenged assumptions about digital memory, privacy, and the human need to forget, establishing him as a thinker who understands both the technical and human dimensions of technology. He has advised organisations across sectors, from automotive giants like Continental and Bosch to technology leaders including IBM, SAP, Microsoft, and Huawei, helping them understand how data flows through value chains demand new approaches to product development, supply chain management, and customer relationships. His insights have reached global audiences through contributions to the New York Times, Financial Times, Wall Street Journal, and broadcast appearances on CNN and the BBC. Viktor's current focus on the ethical implications of artificial intelligence reflects his commitment to ensuring that technological progress serves society rather than undermines it, a theme central to his upcoming keynote at the CIO & Cybersecurity Forum in October 2026.

Viktor equips leaders to make informed decisions in an era where data is both opportunity and obligation. His presentations move beyond abstract concepts, offering practical frameworks for understanding how Industry 4.0 technologies transform everything from healthcare and scientific discovery to retail, finance, and transportation. Audiences leave with clarity on how to balance innovation with regulation, how to redesign business models to capitalise on data whilst respecting privacy, and how to lead organisations through technological disruption without losing sight of human values. Whether addressing corporate boards or large conventions, Viktor delivers insights that translate directly into strategic action, helping organisations remain competitive whilst building trust with customers and stakeholders in an increasingly transparent digital economy.