According to one expert, many SMEs in Saxony and Thuringia are still in the early stages of using artificial intelligence (AI). "Companies are working intensively on AI, but concrete implementation projects are generally still in their infancy," said Sebastian Gerth from the Saxony-Thuringia AI Hub. The economy is still in an orientation phase when it comes to AI.
Small companies and economic problems
One reason for this is the small-scale company structure in the two federal states. "There are few companies here that can simply employ one or two AI experts." However, the larger the company, the easier it is to implement projects. There are often also individual employees who have an interest in the topic.
The biggest obstacle, however, is the current economic situation. For many companies, it is currently difficult to estimate when an investment in AI will pay off. "But we are not currently in a situation where companies are simply trying things out." However, there are subsidies from public funds and content-related support as part of the AI hub.
