Project

In the course of the digital transformation, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are facing profound structural changes that bring both significant challenges and far-reaching opportunities. Artificial intelligence opens up new possibilities for accelerating innovation processes, enabling data-driven decision-making and developing future-oriented business models. In practice, however, the systematic integration of AI in many SMEs often fails due to limited human and financial resources, a lack of methodological expertise and a shortage of accessible, practical use cases. This creates a clear need for targeted knowledge-transfer projects that not only provide SMEs with theoretical knowledge about the use of AI, but also demonstrate concrete application scenarios and support their implementation. To strengthen knowledge transfer between science and industry on a sustainable basis, both sides need to be empowered: SMEs must be supported in developing the skills required for the digital transformation, while research institutions must be strengthened in successfully transferring knowledge, technologies and suitable forms of cooperation into practice. With its strong industrial SME sector and high-quality non-university research landscape, Baden-Württemberg offers excellent conditions for such transfer activities and long-term collaboration.