Kazimieras Simonavičius University (KSU) is more than just a place to acquire knowledge — it is also an incubator for forward-thinking ideas. One of its most dynamic initiatives is the Next Society Institute (NSI), a research institute affiliated with KSU and led by Prof. Dr. Steffen Roth, who playfully calls it a “theory start-up.” A visionary sociologist and management thinker, Prof. Roth is known for revitalising systems theory—especially the work of Niklas Luhmann—for the 21st century.

Prof. Roth is a professor at Excelia Business School in France and a visiting fellow at Wolfson College, University of Cambridge. At NSI, he and his team explore what lies beyond today’s mainstream ideas—helping shape the future of theory, innovation, and society.

We met at a lively hotel reception in central Vilnius to discuss about the NSI. The formality quickly gave way to a more relaxed tone as Prof. Roth, smiling, suggested using my phone as a microphone to ensure a clear recording.

What is the role of the NSI?
SR: Our aim is to demonstrate that theory—particularly systems theory in the tradition of Niklas Luhmann—can be both practical and highly valuable. His systems theory may seem counterintuitive at first, but once understood, it offers profound insights—especially in areas like management consulting. Nothing is more practical than a good theory.

Are you updating these theories for modern times?
SR: Absolutely. Systems theory is a 20th-century theory programme, and like any programme, it requires updating. We’re currently adapting it for the 21st century. It’s not just still relevant—it’s often superior to many prevailing theories in the social sciences.

What is at the core of Niklas Luhmann‘s theory?

SR: Niklas Luhmann believed that society is not a large group of individuals, but a complex system of communication. According to his theory of social systems, different sectors of society—such as politics, economy, science, education, religion, or law—function as autonomous systems, each governed by its own logic and rules. Rather than focusing on individuals’ thoughts or feelings, Luhmann analysed how communication creates and maintains these systems and how these systems “irritate” one another.

Why was the NSI founded at KSU? How did it begin?
SR: I joined KSU in 2017 through a major EU-funded research project. What struck me immediately was the university’s atmosphere—it felt like a pirate ship, in the best sense: independent, creative, and entrepreneurial. It was the ideal environment to build something new, so I started developing the NSI as a theory start-up and research institute affiliated with KSU.

So KSU handles the execution?
SR: Often, the NSI members identify and develop opportunities, and the university takes over the operative part. But we also collaborate on the strategic level: Just yesterday, we met with the Vice-Rector for International Relations and Development, Deimantė Žilinskienė, to discuss the university’s upcoming move to a new campus. One key idea is the creation of a start-up incubator, in which the NSI would likely participate both as an incubated entity and as an actively engaged strategic partner. The Vice-Rector and we also discussed serious plans to revitalise—or indeed to kick-start—Lithuania’s E-Residency ecosystem.

What sets NSI apart from other institutes working on systems theory?
SR: Most people assume that society is made up of individuals. We challenge that. We argue that society is composed of something—namely communication. To understand this perspective properly, people need to communicate with us. The communication we are most interested in is “alternative mainstreams.” Today, AI, climate change, and geopolitics dominate the agenda. But we are looking for emerging ideas that are still on the fringes—just as ecology and sustainability once were—yet may become tomorrow’s mainstream. That is the core of our work. This is why we are called the Next Society Institute.

Tell us about the Luhmann Conference 2025.
SR: Traditionally, the Luhmann Conference is held in a beautiful seaside villa in Dubrovnik. We present in the mornings and then enjoy long Mediterranean lunch breaks—often on the beach—before we return to academic discussions and presentations during the late afternoon. It’s a fantastic mix of rigorous thought and informal creativity.

But in 2025, for the first time, the conference will take place at the University of Cambridge. As a visiting fellow at Wolfson College, I’m helping host it there. Instead of beaches, we’ll walk through meadows and riverbanks—probably having discussions while strolling instead of swimming. The format remains multidisciplinary: academics, artists, and policymakers all contribute. It’s not just science—it’s dialogue, art, and politics combined.

You also teach at Excelia Business School. How do these roles connect?
SR: I hold two PhDs—one in economics and management from Chemnitz University of Technology, and another one in sociology from the University of Geneva. This allows me to bridge different academic fields. For instance, we first further develop social systems theory and then translate our ideas into management tools. Thus, we publish both in academic journals and more application-oriented outlets, all under the flags of both Excelia and KSU. It’s all about synergy.

Have you always been so immersed in academia?
SR: Yes. That is, in school, I wasn’t an especially hard-working student. But things changed during my years of study. For me, it’s all about passion. I love what I do. Ideas come to me like butterflies—I feel compelled to catch them. For me, this is not a job; it’s a lifestyle.

Do you still teach students directly?
SR: Yes. At Excelia, I teach business ethics and strategic management. Recently, I ran a course where students used AI to develop new strategic tools—they found it really engaging.

What are your thoughts on Lithuania’s development?
SR: Lithuania has changed a lot. I’ve visited not only Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipeda, but also towns like Utena, Panevėžys, and Marijampolė. There is much progress everywhere, and the entrepreneurial spirit is still very much alive in Lithuania—people value good ideas. That’s what keeps me coming back. When it comes to tourism, German visitors are especially drawn to Lithuania’s unique past. They come for the historic old towns, the socialist brutalist architecture, contemporary highlights such as the MO Museum, and more generally for the country’s rich, complex history and present. All of this, paired with the dynamism and entrepreneurial orientation of the Lithuanians—that’s where the true value lies. I believe Lithuania has everything a country could offer—except, perhaps, for mountains, and a well-established E-Residency ecosystem.

Interview by Eglė Kudzmanienė