Straightforward help for companies with AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing business processes, production workflows and competitiveness in almost all sectors. At the same time, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in particular are facing the challenge of correctly classifying technological potential, identifying meaningful fields of application and understanding new regulatory requirements such as the European AI Act. Together with several partners, the University of Siegen is now creating a central, low-threshold point of contact for companies in the region: a new "AI Helpdesk" provides free, practical and uncomplicated advice on questions relating to the use of artificial intelligence.

Understandable and at eye level

The AI helpdesk is part of the "European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) South Westphalia" - a joint initiative of the University of Siegen, the South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences, the non-profit organization for digitized and sustainable cooperation (DNZ) and HAGEN.WIRTSCHAFTSENTWICKLUNG.

"Digital transformation often doesn't start with a big project, but rather with a simple everyday question. This is exactly where we want to start and provide pragmatic, understandable support at eye level," explains project coordinator Prof. Dr. Thomas Ludwig from the University of Siegen. For more than three years now, the hub has been supporting various stakeholders in testing and implementing digital technologies in a practical way.

The AI helpdesk is aimed at companies that want to clarify initial questions about AI, possible application scenarios in their own company or the classification of requirements of the new European AI Act. "Many companies know that they have to deal with AI and the AI Act - but often lack a simple first point of contact. This is precisely the gap we are closing with the AI Helpdesk," explains project team member Robert Fischbach.

Companies can contact the AI Helpdesk by phone, WhatsApp or via a contact form. During office hours, the EDIH staff will take up the request, provide an initial assessment and, if further support is required, refer them to the appropriate expert within the consortium. This is deliberately not about complicated formal processes, but about an uncomplicated start. Even outside of telephone consultation hours, companies can submit their concerns at any time via the contact form with an optional callback request.

As part of the Europe-wide network of European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs), EDIH South Westphalia supports companies and public organizations in their digital transformation. The EDIHs act as central "one-stop stores" for digitalization, transformation, AI and innovation. They are funded by the European Commission and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia as part of the European Digital Strategy. AI helpdesks are becoming increasingly important, especially in the course of the European AI strategy: the European Commission expressly sees EDIHs as the first point of contact for companies when introducing AI and for questions regarding AI Act compliance.

EDIH South Westphalia has been supporting companies in the practical testing and introduction of digital technologies since 2022. SMEs are given access to prototypes, training opportunities, innovation networks and individual advice - with a focus on human-centered AI and socio-technical assistance systems.

This is particularly relevant for industrial SMEs in South Westphalia. As one of the strongest industrial regions in North Rhine-Westphalia with numerous hidden champions, the region offers enormous potential for innovation, which is to be sustainably strengthened through targeted support for digitalization and AI.