CC BY 4.0Wilke, ClaudiaPauls, Steffen U.Steffen U.PaulsHöntsch, KerstinKerstinHöntsch2025-01-132025-01-132024https://doi.org/10.24406/publica-3322https://publica.fraunhofer.de/handle/publica/47055010.24406/publica-3322With editorial contributions from Claudia Wilke 11.1 Networking in the age of the "new normal" The COVID19 pandemic ushered in a "new normal" that has transformed the way we live and work. One significant change has been the widespread adoption of virtual workshops and con ferences. As we navigate this evolving landscape, it's essential to examine the opportunities these digital events present and how they are reshaping industries, businesses, and personal lives. Since the onset of the pandemic, in-person gatherings have become less frequent. Initially, this was due to health concerns and travel restrictions. In the meantime, virtual events have emerged as a viable alternative to in-person meetings, offering numerous advantages in terms of accessibility, costeffectiveness, and environmental sustainability (An et al. 2023). For example, Tao et al. (2021)enbook article