AI in the company: Successful introduction and strategies - An interview with Felix Schlenther
Felix Schlenther from Leading Tomorrow explains why a well-thought-out AI strategy is crucial for companies and how managers can make the most of the benefits of artificial intelligence for the future viability of their company.
We talk to Felix Schlenther, AI expert at Leading Tomorrow, about the current challenges and opportunities in the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) in companies. According to a study by the TÜV Association, almost 50% of German companies believe that their employees need to be trained in the use of AI applications. Despite this realization, however, only 12% of companies offer appropriate training. Why is that?
Felix Schlenther explains that there is often a lack of a holistic AI strategy that integrates technology, people and processes. "There is a lack of basic knowledge about AI at many management levels, which leads to a reluctance to introduce it," says Schlenther. Although many of us have already heard of ChatGPT and perhaps even tried it out, AI applications are still not widespread in German companies. This leads to employees using their own AI tools via private accounts, which entails legal risks and creates a so-called shadow AI.
AI in business is not a gimmick
One of Felix Schlenther's most important messages is that AI should not be seen as a gimmick at management level, but as a technology to be taken seriously. "AI is not a gadget that you just try out - it is a relevant and powerful technology that has the potential to massively increase efficiency, savings and innovation in your company." At the same time, AI secures the future viability of your organization and strengthens your competitive position and employer brand.
According to a report by MIT Technology Review Insights,"Laying the foundation for data- and AI-led growth", 58% of German companies believe that AI will enable significant efficiency gains, savings and innovation within two years.
How can you successfully introduce AI?
Felix Schlenther recommends the following three key steps:
- Promote knowledge building at management level: Managers need to understand what AI is and what opportunities and risks it entails in order to make informed decisions.
- Establish an AI board: A dedicated person from management should drive the introduction of AI and support an internal AI board.
- Define clear ambitions: Set clear goals and guidelines that cover potential and fields of action and involve the entire management team.
Want to find out more?
In the webinar recording "AI in action: practical use cases and preparing for the AI age" with Felix Schlenther and Lennard Jerusalem from sparks you will learn everything you need to know in 60 minutes about how you can introduce AI and AI skills across the board in your company.
How do you convince decision makers and employees?
"Clear added value is crucial," emphasizes Schlenther. "Show concrete use cases that make life easier for decision makers , e.g. through automatic summaries of management meetings or the evaluation of KPI reports."
Your employees should also be integrated into the process right from the start. Hackathons with AI assistants are an excellent format for motivating teams and developing creative solutions for specific problems.
Conclusion:
In this interview, Felix Schlenther clearly shows that the successful integration of AI requires a well thought-out strategy, training and the involvement of all stakeholders. Companies such as Klarna and Moderna show that this is possible. Through further training and the provision of AI tools, they have not only been able to increase efficiency in their day-to-day work, but also automate central processes.
You want to know how sparks can help you with the widespread introduction of AI skills? With the Smart Guide"AI for Everyone", your people can understand how generative AI works, apply it in their day-to-day work and check the results for their actual added value.
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