Focus on AI: From research to practice

A total of five workshop sessions focused on key topics in artificial intelligence:

Workshop 1: AI for Business Resilience

Moderator: Madlen Dietrich, Head of Innovation & Network, Werner-von-Siemens Centre for Industry and Science e. V. 

This workshop table addressed the question of how AI technologies can help strengthen corporate resilience. Topics discussed included applications in the field of AI image analysis, for example for detecting unauthorised activities on company premises, the combination of such technologies with drones as surveillance tools, and securing data using AI-based cybersecurity systems. Alexander Szanto from the Brandenburg Institute for Society and Security (BIGS) began by providing an overview of the threat landscape and the role of AI in this context. He noted that cyber attacks are becoming increasingly automated and have multiplied a hundredfold since the start of the war in Ukraine. Cyberattacks and sabotage cause 300 billion euros of damage to the German economy annually. As a result, corporate resilience has long been a matter of strategic importance.

The discussion quickly highlighted just how great the need for action is in this area and how ill-prepared companies currently are. AI is a tool that offers solutions to protect one’s own company, but also raises new security issues.

Workshop 2: Trustworthy AI Systems

Moderator: Dr. Dustin Schöder, Head of Research & Development, Werner-von-Siemens Centre for Industry and Science e. V. 

In Workshop 2, discussions focused on issues of transparency and traceability in AI decision-making, as well as the regulatory challenges posed by AI. Here, too, the importance of taking a strategic approach to AI quickly became apparent. This is because, in addition to technical tools, an organisational framework is essential for implementing trustworthy AI. It is important that companies do not allow themselves to be unsettled, but instead rely on their own capacity to act. After all, European sovereignty cannot be achieved through a purely problem-oriented approach. Companies must find the right balance between transparency and perfection. Policy-makers must provide support here and offer the appropriate framework for action, particularly with regard to the implementation of the AI Act.

Workshop 3: AI for creative tech and immersive applications

Moderator: Tobias Schulze, Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum Zukunftskultur 

Workshop 3 explored questions regarding the creative potential of AI and its effective application in design and development. The focus was on AI solutions in the field of immersive applications. This is because AI is already capable of achieving a great deal in this area and can programme XR applications far more efficiently and cost-effectively. Technology is evolving independently. This is the reality to which the creative industry must adapt. And it was precisely here that a thoroughly positive attitude towards the use of AI emerged. AI was consistently perceived by participants as a resource and tool for greater efficiency. In particular, the discussion centred on exploring creative scope through Vibe Coding. However, a holistic, system-wide approach is important, moving away from isolated solutions towards interconnected AI systems.

Workshop 4: Data management and data quality in industrial processes

Moderator: Steffen Terberl, Zukunftsorte Berlin 

As data forms the basis of every AI application, this workshop focused on how companies can use AI systems to improve their data infrastructures and ensure data quality. A wide range of application scenarios were discussed, in which data from a variety of sources must be consolidated, structured and prepared for AI analysis. For example, the discussion covered the consolidation of various real-time data from monitoring systems, machines and environmental data for forecasting and planning scenarios, as well as practical examples from the skilled trades sector, where framework, order, personnel and traffic data must be brought together in real time for optimised route management. It quickly became apparent that AI is certainly a suitable tool for structuring and preparing datasets, but must always be considered in terms of the specific use case and its cost-effectiveness.

Workshop 5: Future Scenarios: Leadership in the Age of AI

Moderator: Nina Beike, IHK Berlin 

The discussion in this area focused less on the search for the perfect tool and more on the question of how leadership and human interaction can be further developed in an increasingly fast-paced, uncertain yet promising world. In particular, the focus was on harnessing new opportunities to organise knowledge, make decisions and engage in continuous learning. Workshop 5 demonstrated just how multifaceted the topic of ‘leadership and AI’ is and how many aspects remain unclear. Participants’ interests ranged from the definition of artificial intelligence and the future roles and responsibilities of leaders to questions of knowledge management.

Exchange between academia and industry

A key objective of the transfer workshop was to bring together perspectives from academia and industry. Experts from research organisations, companies and public institutions contributed their experiences and questions to the discussion, identified use cases, discussed technological developments and analysed specific research needs based on gaps in practice. Building on this, we intend to continue the discussion in greater depth at the WvSC, with the aim of initiating collaborations in smaller, topic-specific groups and jointly implementing specific project ideas.

Following the official part of the event, the more than 160 participants enjoyed a relaxed end to the day with snacks and drinks, as well as in-depth discussions. The Transfer Workshop thus demonstrated how important interdisciplinary dialogue between research, industry and public institutions is for putting research knowledge into practice and unlocking the potential of AI.