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Research at FHWien der WKW

1stAId4SME

Artificial intelligence (AI) for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)

The project supports SMEs in using generative AI technologies to increase their digital competitiveness and their own core competencies. Based on user stories, a web-based tool will be developed that enables SMEs to identify and evaluate their specific needs by themselves and provide suitable starting points for generative AI solutions.

Funding: Erasmus+ Cooperation partnerships in higher education (KA220-HED)
Project period: 31.12.2024 to 30.12.2027
Project duration: 36 month
Project coordination: Reutlingen University (DE)

Logo Hochschule Reutlingen    EU Emblem Co-funded by the European Union

Contact

Institute for Digital Transformation and Strategy (IDS)
Gerald Schneikart, MBA, PhD
Projekt Leader & Senior Researcher

Währigen Gürtel 97
1180 Vienna

Tel.: +43 690 40 476 233

Project Description

With the rapid development of AI technologies, an innovative reorientation of companies is necessary to ensure long-term prosperity and to benefit from the positive impact of current and future AI solutions on the economy. The project focuses on the efficient use of available AI resources in the day-to-day business of SMEs. These companies often lack the opportunities to use customized AI solutions or corresponding training offers. Free and low-cost offers such as open AI systems are intended to remedy this situation.

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The project will offer different learning approaches that include traditional environments such as university courses and training seminars as well as web-based self-learning. This will help SMEs and start-ups to take advantage of AI for their business activities or to catch up in the application of AI tools. In order to achieve this, easy-to-understand training modules on the efficient use of open AI solutions, weighing up the risks and benefits, will be combined with a self-assessment tool for company-specific needs analysis.

As part of the needs analysis, it will be determined which measures are required to provide SMEs with “first aid” in the application of artificial intelligence. Assessment and training modules will then be developed for practical testing and validation. Finally, updated studies and a series of expert interviews to develop training materials and guidance will refine the needs analysis based on an organizational assessment of specific requirements.

Project Goal

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The project results target SMEs, business and industry associations as well as institutions that want to improve their digital and AI skills.

  • Survey of industry-specific AI user requirements
  • Creation of a guide for SMEs based on user stories
  • Development of web-based AI training content

The IDS at FHWien der WKW contributes research experience in the areas of management, strategy and digitalization as well as in the development and piloting of digital learning content to the project.

Project Partners