This open access book explores how the digital transformation of the education system involves more than just a technological upgrade; it is a complex social innovation process that affects governance, infrastructure, educational practice, and participation.

This volume analyses the interdependencies between digital education and innovation, highlighting selected cases of good practice and providing practical recommendations.

How can governance mechanisms, digital education infrastructures and evolving pedagogical approaches be sustainably designed? What might a digital education infrastructure that meets the demands of sustainability, participation, equity and resilience look like? How can empirically grounded knowledge contribute to improving digitally supported educational practices and how can innovation within the education system be fostered and sustained?

The contributions to this volume provide well-founded theoretical frameworks, empirical findings, and practical insights, ranging from governance strategies and AI-supported learning systems to inclusive 'making' approaches. They demonstrate why digital educational innovation is both indispensable and inherently challenging in contemporary contexts.

By outlining concrete courses of action and identifying avenues for further research, this volume offers decision-makers in education policy, administration and practice valuable guidance for shaping an adaptive, digital and innovative education system.

Dr Katia Tödt is deputy head of the Education, Science and Humanities department at VDI/VDE Innovation +Technik GmbH and research assistant at the Institute for Innovation and Technology. She holds a degree in psychology and did her doctorate in the field of educational science on the subject of quality development in continuing education organizations. Her professional work focuses on educational research, digitalization in education and science and organizational development. A particular interest of her work lies in questions of transfer between science and practice as well as in a digital transformation oriented towards the individual and the common good.

Dr Corinne Büching is a senior consultant at VDI/VDE Innovation +Technik GmbH and research assistant at the Institute for Innovation and Technology. She holds a degree in social sciences and completed her doctorate in the field of Digital Media in Education on the subject of digitized educational artifacts. Her professional work focuses on educational platforms and infrastructures, digital education ecosystems, and artificial intelligence in education. She is particularly interested in the maker scene and digital culture, as well as ethical issues surrounding the use of AI in educational contexts.

Bastian Granas is a scientific advisor at VDI/VDE Innovation + Technik GmbH and research assistant at the Institute for Innovation and Technology. He is a trained secondary school teacher and holds academic degrees in German studies, history, educational science as well as in school management and quality development. His work focuses on the intersection of educational practice, policy, and research. Key areas of interest include school development, educational and school research, open education, and the design of digital education ecosystems and infrastructures. He is particularly committed to transferring innovative approaches into sustainable, systemic educational structures.