Discovering AI tools at the AI Day
A Recap with Elisabeth Frankus
Elisabeth Frankus, head of the Social Sustainable Transformation research unit, explains why this exchange was so valuable for both sides and what impulses emerged from it.
Please start by giving us a brief overview of the project in general.
The Interreg project AI Catalyst for SMEs (ATCZ00036) supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Austria and the Czech Republic in finding an understandable and practical approach to Artificial Intelligence (AI). The background is that the use of AI in both countries is still low, and many businesses are uncertain about how AI can support their daily operations. Therefore, we are cooperating with the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, the Prague University of Economics and Business, the College of Polytechnics Jihlava, and the South Bohemian Science and Technology Park.
How did the AI Day originate from this?
AI Days take place in the individual regions of the different project partners to reach as many SMEs as possible. The goal is to give companies an insight into the project and to introduce them to AI tools for marketing, sales, and export. Additionally, they learn from practical examples and get to know tools like the AI Readiness Radar developed in the project.
How was this reflected in the program of the AI Day at IHS?
The focus was on the question of how small and medium-sized enterprises can find easy access to AI. For this purpose, various applications from marketing, sales, and export were presented and discussed together – including potential opportunities, hurdles, and solutions. The different institutions in the project team focused on their respective expertise.
What was the IHS's focus?
Our Socially Sustainable Transformation research unit deals with the question of how technological developments influence social coexistence. Therefore, we focus on the ethical questions surrounding AI: data protection, possible biases, responsibility, and the effects on collaboration and decision-making processes. This ethical dimension is one of three viewpoints on AI - alongside management and technology - that is always considered in the AI Catalyst for SMEs project.
How did you experience the exchange with individual entrepreneurs on site regarding these topics?
I was particularly impressed by the great interest of the participants and the open exchange. Many company representatives brought in their own experiences and questions, keeping the discussions very practical.
What insights resulted from these conversations?
It became clear that concrete examples work best. As soon as real AI applications are presented, it's easy for participants to assess what role an AI tool could play in their own company.
Were there any aspects that stood out particularly during the exchange?
Yes – especially the strong interest from sole proprietors (individual entrepreneurs). Many of them are specifically looking for AI support to make their daily work more efficient.
What worked particularly well during the organization of the AI Day?
The teamwork – both internally at IHS and with our external partners. Through cooperation with the Vienna Business Agency, the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, and the event team at the institute, we were able to bring our project work directly to the individual entrepreneurs.
What is your overall review of the event?
The setting of the AI Day facilitated a very targeted and open exchange. The conversations were intensive and constructive, and the feedback on the previous results – such as the AI Readiness Radar – was particularly valuable and will now directly feed into further development.
Elisabeth Frankus is the project leader of the Interreg AT-CZ project AI Catalyst for SMEs (ATCZ00036), from which the event emerged.
