AI for SMEs – Potential Analysis and Roadmap with BAFA Funding
AI is no longer a topic for the future for small and medium-sized enterprises, but a competitive factor in the here and now; however, many lack a structured entry point. In the Talk of our Sustainability x AI series, Janika Ofterdinger speaks with Dr. Britta Frommeyer (Nextra Consulting) about how SMEs can start with AI: […]
AI? Yes, but… what about the AI Act?
AI regulation is not just an IT issue—sustainability departments are also affected by the EU AI Act. In this talk from the “Sustainability x AI” series, Janika Ofterdinger (Nextra Consulting GmbH) and Bengt Petersen (Partner and Lawyer, Front Wing Litigation) discuss what the AI Act specifically means, which misconceptions frequently arise in practice, and how […]
AI Regulatory Sandbox: What Companies Can Learn from the Federal Network Agency’s (Bundesnetzagentur) Pilot Project
Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur) simulates first AI regulatory sandbox for EU AI Act compliance. Insights for companies on compliant AI implementation by 2026.
Experiment with AI agents
AI agents make operational decisions: Andon Labs’ AI experiment highlights the potential and risks of autonomous AI systems in day-to-day business.
Identifying AI Potential – From Ideas to a Prioritized Use Case Shortlist
Many companies start AI initiatives reactively – because a tool is currently popular, not because a concrete need has been identified. The result: misguided investments, unclear priorities, frustrated teams. In this talk from the Sustainability x AI series, Janika Ofterdinger and Kathrin Ruhnke (Nextra Consulting) show how a structured AI potential analysis makes the difference. […]
Why do AI projects fail despite good use cases?
AI projects often fail not because of the use case itself, but due to a lack of structure in implementation, governance, and integration. Even well-prioritized use cases deliver no added value if technical, organizational, or cultural prerequisites are not sufficiently considered. A key reason is insufficient integration into existing processes. AI solutions are often introduced […]
What AI skills do departments need?
Departments need AI skills to identify use cases, classify AI results, and meaningfully integrate AI into their daily processes. The goal is not technical expert knowledge, but the ability to professionally manage AI and use it productively. A central competency is understanding the potential applications and limitations of AI within one’s own area of responsibility. […]
What fears and resistance arise from AI?
The use of AI often creates fears of loss of control, job changes, or lack of transparency. These concerns are usually less technological than emotional and organizational in nature, and they significantly influence the acceptance of AI within the company. One of the most common fears concerns the elimination or devaluation of tasks. Employees worry […]
When is an AI pilot project useful?
An AI pilot project is useful when there is a clear use case and uncertainty exists regarding its benefits, effort, or feasibility. The pilot project serves to clarify these questions in a controlled manner before larger investments are made. In practice, a pilot project is particularly suitable when a process is recurring, data-driven, and sufficiently […]
How do I identify specific AI use cases for my company?
Specific AI use cases can be identified by companies systematically analyzing their processes, data, and pain points. Instead of starting from available technologies, the focus should be on specific problems, inefficiencies, or decision-making needs. This is exactly where AI delivers its greatest value. A proven starting point is the structured review of core business processes […]
