“Use AI!”: The Kiel region outlines ways to successfully implement AI in businesses

Artificial intelligence (AI) opens up a wide range of opportunities for businesses – from more efficient processes and new business models to reducing the workload on staff. Whilst some companies in the Kiel region are already successfully using AI, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups in particular face the challenge of integrating the technology into their workflows in a meaningful way and at a reasonable cost. Experts from regional companies such as TKMS, trade associations, academia and social partners discussed how this can be achieved and what role training, employee participation and regional networks play in this process at the discussion evening "Use AI! Opportunities for businesses in the Kiel region" on 2 July in Kiel. The event was organised jointly by VDI Technologiezentrum GmbH and Plattform Lernende Systeme.

In front of an audience of around 90 participants, Kiel presented itself as a high-performing AI hub with a strong network of innovation and funding. Representatives from business, academia, trade associations and social partners emphasised that collaboration between research and industry is crucial for bringing innovations into everyday business practice. Practical examples – ranging from chatbots and cleaning robots to welding simulators and applications in procurement, production and sales – highlighted just how widely AI is already being used by companies in the Kiel region.

The first panel focused on the question of what artificial intelligence actually entails. Professor Jens Lüssen from Kiel University of Applied Sciences made it clear that applications such as ChatGPT represent only a small fraction of AI technologies. A sound understanding of the various AI methods is a prerequisite for their responsible and successful use. At the same time, he highlighted challenges that still remain – such as hallucinations in generative AI or issues of technological sovereignty.

The company representatives then described their experiences. Data protection, information security, trade secrets, dependence on major technology providers and uncertainty amongst employees are just as much a part of the challenges as a lack of time and financial resources, particularly in start-ups. During the discussion, there was agreement that AI is already a key driver of economic transformation. To realise its potential, its use should be tested through specific use cases – ideally supported by specialist consultancy and knowledge transfer services.

A key topic of the discussion was the training of employees. AI produces results that need to be contextualised and critically assessed. Younger professionals in particular require not only technical knowledge but also a deep understanding of processes and interrelationships. The participants therefore called for a comprehensive education and training initiative – from schools through to universities and continuing vocational training.

The general tone of the discussion was clear: AI does not replace people, but supports them. “AI is a tool, no more, no less: used correctly, it can fill gaps in knowledge, take on repetitive tasks and ease the workload on employees,” said Dr Frank Scholz, Managing Director of CITTI Handelsgesellschaft. However, he added that this requires consistently placing people at the heart of the transformation and shaping the change in collaboration with employees and their representative bodies. Existing concerns about job losses must also be taken seriously. Job profiles will change as a result of the use of AI, “but there will still be traditional welders in five years’ time,” said Cem Selvi, training manager at TKMS.

Appropriate framework conditions are needed to enable greater use of AI, particularly amongst small and medium-sized enterprises. Given that there are around 123,000 SMEs in Schleswig-Holstein and limited advisory resources, “we need long-term support programmes, enhanced training, and measures to secure a skilled workforce and retain talent locally in the region,” emphasised Carsten Robitzki, managing director of the start-up SNAIC. Equally important is close cooperation with the social partners, who support businesses and employees in shaping this transition. Together with them, they are addressing questions such as how job profiles are changing, what jobs will emerge in the future, and how collaboration between people and AI systems can be shaped responsibly, as Stephanie Schmoliner, Managing Director of IG Metall Kiel, and Ingo Scheuse, Chief Executive of Unternehmensverband Kiel, particularly emphasised.

At the get-together that followed, participants took the opportunity to exchange ideas and network. Regional partners presented AI applications for participants to try out at a mini-exhibition – including virtual welding training and an AI service robot. Those involved included, amongst others, Kiel University, Kiel University of Applied Sciences, KI.SH, TKMS, SNAIC, CITTI-Handelsgesellschaft, the Business Development and Technology Transfer Corporation of Schleswig-Holstein, the Kreishandwerkerschaft Kiel and VDI Schleswig-Holstein.

The event in Kiel was part of the series of events entitled “Use AI! Opportunities for businesses in their regions”. Through this initiative, VDI Technologiezentrum GmbH and Plattform Lernende Systeme aim to promote dialogue within the regions and, in particular, to offer small and medium-sized enterprises practical guidance on the use of AI. “We take regional support seriously, and it is important to us to engage in dialogue with regional businesses,” said Dr Alexander Heußner from the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space. The series of events, which is closely linked to the High-Tech Agenda for Germany (HTAD), will continue on 17 September in Mainz with the event “Use AI! Opportunities for businesses in the Mainz region”.