FHNW and the "AI Center for SMEs" launch practice-oriented AI method for SMEs

Many SMEs are still struggling with artificial intelligence. However, the "AI-4-SME method" now provides companies with a practical, structured approach to the use of AI. The aim is to support SMEs in particular in identifying, planning and implementing AI initiatives.

SME-compatible approach for the use of AI

Digital technologies are fundamentally changing business models, processes and value chains - artificial intelligence is becoming a decisive innovation and competitive factor. SMEs in particular are faced with the question: Where is our concrete potential? How do we use AI sensibly? And how can we get started with manageable effort and real added value?

The "AI-4-SME method", developed by an interdisciplinary project team from the FHNW (School of Business and School of Applied Psychology) in close collaboration with partners from the field, provides answers. The "KI-4-KMU-Methode" consists of a practice-oriented guide and a workshop canvas that helps small and medium-sized enterprises in particular to recognize the strategic potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and implement it in a targeted manner.

"Our aim was to process knowledge from research and industry in such a way that it can be used immediately," says Prof. Dr. Knut Hinkelmann, summarizing the project objective.

A practical roadmap in three phases

The method offers a structured, SME-friendly approach in three phases to identify and implement AI potential in your own company:

• Phase 1 - Design: Identification of AI-relevant potential at company, process and task level.
• Phase 2 - Build: Development and implementation of AI solutions with a focus on human-AI collaboration.
• Phase 3 - Run: Integration of the developed solution into operational practice.

At the heart of the method is a 370-page AI practice guide, supplemented by a modular workshop canvas for concrete project planning. Over 30 authors from science and industry provide application-oriented chapters, practical case studies and tried-and-tested methods. The method was developed to bridge the gap between scientific findings and practical application.

"The AI 4 SME method enables companies to take a strategic and practical approach to AI. It is an important contribution to the innovative strength of the Swiss economy," says Prof. Dr. Marc K. Peter, one of the project managers at the FHNW.

Contribution to strengthening the business location

The aim of the initiative is to bring the latest AI knowledge directly into everyday business life. With the new "AI-4-SME method", the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland FHNW and the "AI Center for SMEs" offer companies a practice-oriented approach to the strategic use of artificial intelligence. "Our human-centric approach helps SMEs to focus on the AI solutions that deliver the highest value for their employees and their customers," says Dr. Emanuele Laurenzi from the FHNW, explaining the holistic approach of the method.

The project was supported by partners such as Abacus, Health Promotion Switzerland and Swisscom. The research and media partners ORGANISATOR, TopSoft, the AI Center for SMEs, NRP-Neue Regionalpolitik, Standortförderung Kanton Solothurn and Wirtschaftsförderung Region Olten also supported the work. "The newly developed AI tools provide companies with a tool that they can use to strengthen their competitiveness and innovative capacity. This is an important contribution to strengthening our business location," says Rolf Schmid, Economic Development Manager, describing the overarching benefits of the project results.

The practical guide and the workshop canvas are available to interested companies free of charge: www.ki-zentrum.ch