Artificial intelligence (AI) is omnipresent. While AI applications, such as voice assistants, have almost become routine in the private sphere, German SMEs are reticent. Existing AI applications mostly focus on increasing efficiency - AI-based translation services are one example. AI offers SMEs greater potential through service or product innovation by using existing or easily captured customer or process data, combined with AI methods, as the basis for developing new value propositions. If these are integrated into corresponding revenue mechanisms and value chains, innovative, AI-based (service) business models emerge. However, to realise such business models, in addition to domain knowledge - knowledge of how the industry works, customer requirements and established processes - methodological knowledge in the context of AI and business models is required above all. Due to the low resource endowment typical for the company size class, the companies have neither personnel with the expertise nor the necessary funds to employ external experts.

This is where the research project WiWiEN comes in. WiWiEn stands for: Innovating knowledge domains through a digital knowledge platform for decision support for the effective and efficient development of AI-based (service) business models. The aim is to develop a knowledge platform that provides access to the necessary knowledge for specialists and managers by providing procedures, methods and good examples in the context of AI-based business model innovations. This will enable them to identify starting points for new, AI-based (service) business models, design them and establish them successfully on the market.

More information about the WiWiEn Project.