The megatrend of artificial intelligence (AI) is here. But how do companies make the right use of this technology? The „STEM Summit“ of the Association of German Female Entrepreneurs (Verband deutscher Unternehmerinnen) showed how the topic is driving businesses. Deutsche Telekom hosted around 50 female participants in Bonn. There were concrete tips.
Keeping the big picture in focus: Does it always require AI to automate? Christin Schäfer supports other companies in their data projects with her company acs plus. She emphasized that there can be added value even without AI. In many cases, the availability of correct information at the right time for the right person is the only way to achieve this. She recommends "first adding value with the simple procedures and gradually increasing the complexity - all the way to AI." Schäfer advocated thinking in terms of "data-driven systems": that is, incorporating multiple elements, starting with the data itself, through software and hardware and processes, and ending with people and their roles. "By a system, I mean more than just an algorithm. It's a 'zoom out' that looks at the whole." © Norbert Ittermann
Collaborating in ecosystems: Nicole Büttner of Merantix Momentum, like others at the summit, declared herself to be a "tech optimist. She is enthusiastic about AI because it enables "personalized medicine," for example, by providing information about medicine interactions. And because it is scalable and allows people to concentrate on the essentials. According to Büttner, companies interested in AI should ask themselves this question early on: "What can I do myself, and what can others do better?" Ecosystems are needed in which experts from a wide range of fields work closely together. Equally important for the development of trustworthy AI: diversity, the view of many different people on the subject. © Norbert Ittermann
"Giving no room for speculation". Decisive for the success of AI in companies is open and honest communication right from the start, as Sabine Rinser-Willuhn from Siemens emphasized. She described how Siemens' HR department is working with AI, starting with "CARL." This is an internal chatbot. It answers employees' questions about their employment in nine languages. According to Rinser-Willuhn, it's important to make clear that automation doesn't just happen through AI. And that the technology helps to handle a flood of recurring processes in a standardized way, i.e. assembly line activities. "Of course, technology is changing jobs. But CARL has also shown: We now have jobs that didn't exist before, for example, the 'conversation editor.'" © Norbert Ittermann
Acting responsibly and ethically: Marie von der Groeben, Chief Compliance Officer at Telekom, also believes it is important for many employees to be on the topic. She emphasized the importance of digital ethics. This creates trust and ensures that AI is always used and further developed with human concerns and needs in mind. For Deutsche Telekom, digital ethics means taking responsibility for the technologies implemented as well as for IT products and services. It is also important to ensure transparency and actively engage with digitization. And, last but not least, transferring the compliance and integrity requirements defined in the analog world to the digital world. By the way: Deutsche Telekom set itself guidelines for the use of AI at an early stage. © Norbert Ittermann
Use potential for good: Claudia Nemat, Board Member for Technology & Innovation at Deutsche Telekom, shed light on her heartfelt topic of "Human-centered Technology" in the welcome video. Why is this relevant? She cited digital platforms as an example, where certain algorithms are geared toward generating "engagement." "Engagement, sadly, can be achieved with outrage and hate speech." Thus, she said, "fake information" spreads faster than accurate information. This undermines liberal democracies. There is enormous potential for using technology for the better, she said. "We should all use this potential. In business and in private. And above all: together. For that, we need a responsible approach to technology and data. © Norbert Ittermann
Inspiring more women for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering Mathematics): The VdU is committed to more women entrepreneurs and founders, more women in leadership positions and the equal participation of women in business. In 2014, the association established the STEM Summit as a forum for women entrepreneurs and STEM leaders. It is about networking with each other, knowledge transfer and exchange of experience, and more visibility for women in cutting-edge technologies. "We have to manage to get more people, especially young women, excited about STEM topics," says VdU President Jasmin Arbabian-Vogel. © Norbert Ittermann
Colleagues from Applied AI, Europe's largest initiative for the application of trustworthy AI technology, introduced the participants to the topic. The subsequent workshop focused on AI systems and how they are applied to real-world problems. © Norbert Ittermann
Accompanying the participants through the day: Doreen Friedrichs from Deutsche Telekom. She has been responsible for sociopolitical issues and communications in Deutsche Telekom's "Digital Education and Schools" program since 2020. © Norbert Ittermann
The Telekom Design Gallery was also on the agenda: there Deutsche Telekom presents the influence that technical possibilities will have on private and professional life in the future. The guided tour rounded off the day just as ... © Norbert Ittermann
Marit Zenk, participant: “Smart is getting even smarter. I am impressed by the progress we are making in AI and even more so that, according to Nicole Büttner, Germany hosts the most AI researchers. That makes me proud, since we have already let ourselves be left behind in other areas.” The interview with her can be found on the right. © Norbert Ittermann
