Artificial intelligence in German SMEs - a real game changer
SMEs and the AI skills gap
Artificial intelligence (AI) is considered one of the most important drivers of innovation and competitiveness. However, while large corporations are already making extensive use of AI, a recent study by Stifterverband and McKinsey shows that many German companies are not yet exploiting the technology’s potential. The lack of practical AI skills in particular is a key challenge: 79% of companies complain about a lack of know-how in the workforce, and 82% believe that German universities are not sufficiently prepared to teach these skills. Targeted further training in collaboration with universities and research institutions could play a decisive role in helping companies to use AI strategically and efficiently.
But why are SMEs still hesitant to implement AI? What solutions are already available? And how can initiatives such as the KARL competence center and the de:hub network help companies to understand AI not just as a buzzword, but to integrate it into their business processes as a valuable tool?
Challenges in the introduction of AI
We spoke to Dennis Richter, project coordinator at the KARL competence center, and Samira Dahl, project manager of the de:hub network, about how their initiatives support companies in implementing AI in their work processes.
“Many companies have reservations about AI. “We often hear that AI is only relevant for large corporations with large amounts of data or that implementation would be extremely expensive and complex,” explains Samira Dahl.
In practice, AI can also bring considerable benefits for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), whether through predictive maintenance in production or automated customer communication.
Qualification and framework conditions as the key to success
Dennis Richter also believes that companies either don’t know where to start or “shy away from the effort because they don’t think AI is worthwhile for them.” He believes that responsibility lies not only with companies, but also with politicians and educational institutions.
For AI to become established, it must “become more tangible and understandable.” In some companies, there is also a fear that employees can be replaced. On the other hand, AI often does not mean that employees will become obsolete, but rather that they will have to undergo further training. “
This includes critical thinking, problem-solving skills and the ability to interpret complex data. In addition, the ability to evaluate ethical issues and understand the impact of AI on society and the world of work is becoming increasingly important.”
This is worthwhile because, according to Richter, companies that take the plunge ultimately secure long-term competitive advantages.
How KARL and de:hub support SMEs
KARL is located at the interface between educational institutions, politics and companies. The BMBF-funded project aims to develop and research AI solutions with a network of companies and research institutions so that the results can then be made available to interested parties and the findings can be communicated to policymakers about the actual needs of companies.
In concrete terms, this means that KARL offers companies interested in AI various formats such as web tools, action guidelines and workshops in which everything from skills to information on data protection in the context of AI, as well as ethical and social aspects of AI, are shared.
The latter in particular are the subject of much debate in society, as the speed at which new AIs are coming onto the market is immense. Richter is certain that technological developments such as these “can have a polarizing effect. However, by bringing together different perspectives, a balanced and well-founded discourse can emerge that addresses people’s concerns and hopes. Especially in social discourse, it is important to show people that their opinion counts and that they can actively participate in shaping the future.”
AI – a real game changer for SMEs
The challenge is not only to conduct the discussion in specialist circles, but also to disseminate the findings to various interest groups. KARL therefore offers various freely accessible formats such as the political fireside evening with leading politicians from federal politics, the pitch and networking event KI-Connect 2024 and the upcoming KI-Connect 2.0 on May 15, 2025.
de:hub also wants to support companies in the use of AI. From workshops to build up AI skills to the European Digital Innovation Hub Artificial Intelligence & Cybersecurity (EDIH-AICS) with services in areas such as Test before Invest, where, explains Samira Dahl, companies can gain initial experience with suitable applications. In addition, de:hub networks companies with start-ups and research institutions in order to “facilitate technology transfer and initiate projects. We also provide information on funding programs and financing options to facilitate and accelerate investments in AI.”
Practical applications of AI in companies
To enable companies to gain an even more targeted overview of applications that are relevant to them, de:hub is also currently developing the “AI Radar”, which is due to be published in the coming months. According to Dahl, it “serves as a strategic tool for the early detection of relevant developments in the field of artificial intelligence. It analyzes new technologies, evaluates their economic applicability and shows companies specific potential applications. In this way, we want to help SMEs not only to react to current trends, but also to exploit long-term AI potential that is particularly relevant to their industry.”
The potential applications for AI-supported technologies are more diverse than some might expect. Dahl explains that many things are conceivable, from quality controls in production that “can detect defects in real time with the help of image processing technologies” to predictive maintenance of machines using sensors or “optimized route planning that avoids traffic jams and reduces CO₂ emissions”. From the energy sector to customer service, according to Dahl, AI is often “a real game changer.” Anyone interested in finding out more about possible areas of application for AI can do so in the de:hub’s virtual AI showroom, where numerous use cases from various industries are presented.
A look into the future
What is still missing on the way to a more conscious use of AI in German companies is support from politicians. “Government subsidies, research and development projects and tax incentives can encourage SMEs to develop innovative AI projects and put them into practice,” explains Dahl. She predicts: “In five years’ time, German SMEs will no longer see AI as a technology of the future, but as a natural part of their value creation processes.” Until then, de:hub and KARL will ensure that interested companies feel well supported as they take their first steps towards AI.