The second AI Future Tech Summit, hosted by eco – Association of the Internet Industry in collaboration with Microsoft Germany, once again highlighted the tangible potential that artificial intelligence already offers for business and industry today. Practical case studies from E.ON, FUNKE, Linklaters Germany and Commerzbank demonstrated how AI applications have been successfully implemented across various sectors. In the ensuing discussion, Martina Farkas, Gerald Ertl and Dr Christian Essling shared their experiences in implementing specific AI projects and made it clear that AI is no longer a topic for the future, but a key driver of efficiency, innovation and competitiveness. At the same time, it was emphasised that a lack of expertise and regulatory uncertainties continue to pose obstacles to broader adoption.

The political framework conditions were also a key focus of the summit: Dr Tina Klüwer, Head of the Department of Research for Technological Sovereignty and Innovation at the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space; Member of the Bundestag Henri Schmidt; eco Chair of the Board Oliver Süme; and Member of the State Parliament Björn Franken discussed the prerequisites necessary to strengthen Germany’s position as a competitive AI hub. 

To conclude, Thomas Jarzombek, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister for Digital Affairs and State Modernisation, provided an outlook on the priorities of the Federal Government and emphasised the importance of a strong Germany’s international position in the AI landscape. The summit also marked the conclusion of the “AI Future Tech” project, which eco successfully implemented in its second year in collaboration with Microsoft Germany to promote the transfer of AI from theory into practice and to strengthen dialogue between business, politics and society.

Project page (in German): https://ki-futuretech.de/