AI is not a cure – using it merely for trend reasons can quickly drain resources. What is needed are concrete, solution-orientated applications that can solve real business problems.

AI and quantum computing require robust data centre infrastructure, stated eco Chair of the Board Oliver Süme at the start of the 2024 Digital Summit.

dotmagazine is the online international magazine covering Internet industry topics with insightful articles from eco members & partners. In this dotmagazine issue, eight industry leaders analyse the pivotal issues of digital security, trust, and consumer protection, offering expert perspectives to help businesses navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape.

A recent representative survey by eco Association, with around 2,500 citizens surveyed by the market and opinion research institute Civey, shows that the German population is still very sceptical about the use of artificial intelligence in schools.

We spoke to Prof. Dr Verena Nitsch about what companies need to consider when introducing AI tools. She teaches and conducts research at the Institute of Ergonomics at RWTH Aachen University and heads the Ergonomic Competence Center AKzentE4.0.

The use of artificial intelligence is still in its infancy at many German companies, as a representative survey of 543 corporate decision-makers conducted by YouGov2 on behalf of eco – Association of the Internet Industry shows. One trend is clear: the fewer employees a company has, the less artificial intelligence is used.

What significance does artificial intelligence have for the competitiveness of Germany as a digital centre? How must the regulatory framework be designed so as not to slow down innovation, but to focus on opportunities

Pioneering companies in Germany are developing and implementing innovative solutions based on artificial intelligence in close collaboration with technology groups. However, the use of artificial intelligence is still in its infancy among German companies, as highlighted by a representative survey of 543 corporate decision-makers conducted by YouGov2 on behalf of eco – Association of the Internet Industry shows.

How does artificial intelligence (AI) improve energy efficiency in data centres and also support the upcoming ESG reporting? Matthew Farnell, Global Sales and Marketing Director at EkkoSense, will talk about this at the Data Center Expert Summit on 4 June. His German colleague Artur Faust, Sales Manager DACH, answers our questions in this interview.

Explore strategies for creating secure, collaborative digital environments that prioritize trust – the cornerstone of all human connections – in the May issue of dotmagazine.

Today, the EU Member States are set to finalise the AI Act. With this law, the European Union has become the first international entity to create a comprehensive set of rules for the regulation of AI. Its key to success entails harmonised interpretation and implementation.

AI is THE technology trend of 2024 – that’s the consensus among IT decision-makers in Germany. Earlier this year, a representative survey commissioned by eco – Association of the Internet Industry revealed that almost three-quarters of respondents (73.6 per cent) see AI as the most important driver of digital innovation. It is clear that AI, quantum computing and other digital technological innovations will fundamentally change our world in all areas over the next decade.

52% of Germans believe AI can improve working conditions. One in four (23.7%) see no benefits for working conditions as a result of AI.

Around one in two companies (51 per cent) are already using artificial intelligence (AI), according to a recent survey by market and opinion research institute Civey.

As the final AI Act vote takes place in the EU Parliament, eco emphasises the need for a uniform interpretation and application of the law.

AI can contribute to more equal opportunities in application and promotion processes Skilled women in particular to benefit from new jobs created by AI Around one in three women (30%) are still sceptical and believe that the use of artificial intelligence will reduce their career opportunities Artificial Intelligence...

People in Germany are only willing to provide their data anonymously for the training of artificial intelligence to a limited extent. This is shown by a recent survey conducted by the market and opinion research institute Civey on behalf of the eco Association. “The German federal government and industry must create a trustworthy data ecosystem in order to maintain the future viability of Germany’s digital location,” says eco Chair Oliver Süme.

In industrial manufacturing in particular, 58.7 per cent of Germans would like to see artificial intelligence-based technologies take over tasks from skilled workers. Many Germans are also in favour of using AI in the transport sector (38.5%), the financial sector (24.3%) and in nursing and geriatric care (22.2%), according to a recent representative survey by market and opinion research institute Civey*.

Based on the latest developments, Germany is expected to approve the current draft of the AI Act this coming Friday. eco Association advocates for a real-world transposition and EU-wide standardised criteria in dealing with AI systems.

eco Chair Oliver Süme on how SMEs can realise the productivity potential of AI in 2024. How can IT security, productivity and competitiveness be increased?

73.6 per cent of IT decision-makers see artificial intelligence (AI) as the most influential trend for business IT in 2024. eco Association gives 5 recommendations on how companies can benefit from new AI applications in 2024.

eco Chair of the Board Oliver Süme comments on the AI Act adopted by the EU: “The EU aimed to be a pioneer with the AI regulation – but it doesn’t look like Europe has done itself a favour as a digital and AI location, given the agreement on the European AI Act that has now been presented. I particularly regret...

AI is a key technology of the future with a wide range of possible applications and the potential to transform the economy, science and society. Nevertheless, there are still major reservations about AI-based technologies in large parts of the German population, as displayed through an eco/Civey survey. eco calls for a broad debate in order to boost societal acceptance.

In Germany, the Internet industry is recovering more quickly than expected from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and the Ukraine crisis. This is conveyed in the update of the eco Industry Monitor. In 2023, eco and Arthur D. Little predict a growth rate of 14 per cent. Moreover, in the medium to long term, artificial intelligence promises significant growth in all industry segments.

eco Chair of the Board Oliver Süme: “Sustainability and digitalisation are two sides of the same coin – digital technologies and applications are part of the solution to achieve the climate goals.” The study conducted by eco and Arthur D. Little examines the impacts of digital transformation on resource efficiency...

Sharing and securely storing data is a must in the mobility industry – this was the consensus of the participants and speakers at the webinar jointly organised by the eco Association’s Mobility CG and Car Repair 4.0.

Recent innovations and developments in AI have intensified the debate around data protection. Prof. Dr Anne Riechert, Board Member of the AI Frankfurt Rhein-Main Society gives a first insight into the topic and presents the activities of the AI Frankfurt Rhein-Main Society.

It is  important that the AI Act clearly addresses potential risks, but in order to harness the opportunities of the technology, we need room for innovation. Today, Europe is already lagging behind in the development of AI systems. This threatens not only Europe’s technological sovereignty, but also the competitiveness of the entire economy in Germany.

Artificial intelligence has taken another leap forward with the ChatGPT language model from the Californian company Open AI, which was launched in November 2022. A eco/Civey survey shows that 58.7 percent of German students use chatbots like ChatGPT. Among the German population, however, chatbots still play a rather small role.

The increasing prevalence of connected cars and advanced driver assistance systems makes vehicles more than just means of transport. They are computers on wheels that collect and transmit huge amounts of data. This data can include everything from location information and driving behaviour to biometric data and even personal preferences. Safe handling of them has become all the more important.