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Future Center AI NRW

Logo des Projekts ZuZ

Challenge

Digital transformation and the increasing technological demands on the workforce are changing the world of work and the labor market in a lasting way. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and their employees in particular need guidance in this digitally driven transformation and support in dealing with new skill and qualification requirements.

Often, there is not only a lack of time and resources, but also a lack of orientation. Many companies are unsure which technologies actually provide added value and in which areas the use of artificial intelligence (AI) is truly worthwhile. At the same time, uncertainties and reservations make these changes even more difficult.

 

Objectives & Approach

The Zukunftszentrum Künstliche Intelligenz NRW (ZuZ KI NRW; english: Future Center AI NRW) is one of twelve future centers in Germany. Its main task is to support SMEs and their employees by developing competencies and testing digital and AI technologies in real business settings.

A special focus is placed on the exchange between management, works councils, and employees. Different perspectives are brought together to develop solutions that are supported by all parties involved.

To achieve this, we offer practical and free support and consulting formats. We also develop learning concepts that promote a participatory and human-centered approach to introducing AI in SMEs. The goal is to improve companies’ future viability, maintain and expand employment, and strengthen employees’ skills.

As University of Siegen, we mainly provide technology-oriented consulting. The key question is where and how digital technologies and AI can be meaningfully used in everyday work. Together with companies, we analyze specific needs, identify suitable applications, and support the implementation process. In addition, we offer education formats to help companies and employees build skills in working with AI and digital technologies.
 

Expected Impact / Transfer

The aim is to enable companies not only to introduce digitalization and AI, but to use them in a meaningful and sustainable way. This helps improve work processes and opens up new opportunities, while strengthening the long-term viability of SMEs.

At the same time, employees develop the skills needed to actively shape this transformation. Various success stories from the project can be found on the project website.

Everything at a glance

 

The project team

Nießner

Julia Nießner M.Sc.

Research assistant
julia.niessner@uni-siegen.de
More about the person

Funding bodies and cooperation partners

The Zukunftszentrum KI NRW project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs and the Ministry of Labor, Health and Social Affairs NRW as well as the European Union via the European Social Fund Plus (ESF Plus) as part of the Zukunftszentren program.

 

Important partners are: