Based on selected case studies, the project develops criteria for a successful, ethical, socially acceptable and human-centered design and introduction of AI systems in SMEs and makes the findings accessible to SMEs and other interested parties. The project is based both on concrete practical conditions and on EU guidelines for an ethically sound design of AI systems. The leading research questions of the project are
- How should AI systems and human-AI-collaborations be designed so that they are ethically and socially acceptable and are perceived positively by those concerned?
- How should AI be implemented in medium-sized companies in an ethical, socially acceptable and human-centered (and participatory) manner?
By answering these questions, the project makes an important contribution to the research and especially the design of AI systems. In concrete terms, necessary procedures and measures are worked out that take into account the interests and needs of affected stakeholders (from the company to employees and customers) and at the same time take into account ethical and social principles such as respect for human autonomy, damage prevention, fairness and explainability. The solutions developed in the form of design and action recommendations that have been systematically prepared and designed for the practical use of SMEs provide a framework for the optimization of existing AI systems and for the introduction and design of future intelligent work tools.
The scientific findings gained from the studies in operational practice are fed back to relevant stakeholders in the form of a dialogue. In addition, the vividly prepared results will be processed as design and action recommendations for small and medium-sized businesses in Baden-Württemberg to show aspects companies should specifically consider in order to successfully introduce AI technologies.
