IDEV - Institute of Digital Economy and Venturing

The Artificial Intelligence research area at the institute is working intensively on the question of how companies can use artificial intelligence and AI agents to sustainably strengthen their competitive position. The focus is on specific use cases in which artificial intelligence has the potential to scale and significantly accelerate processes. Particular attention is paid to the integration of AI into existing business models and the investigation of how AI can enable the development of completely new business models. At the same time, we are analyzing what governance and compliance requirements need to be met to ensure that AI is used responsibly.

Another focus is growth through artificial intelligence and agent solutions that can create sustainable economic benefits. In addition, we are researching how effective and trustworthy human-AI interaction must be designed in order to ensure acceptance and optimal cooperation between humans and AI systems in a corporate context. With this holistic perspective, the research area makes a decisive contribution to the future success of companies in an increasingly digitalized world.

Projects:

EVA - Evaluation of EXIST applications

Agentic AI seminar with Grenke

The Digital Platform Business Models research area is dedicated to the systematic development, design, validation and application of digital platform business models. A particular focus is on the integration of these models into product development processes, especially with regard to mechatronic systems. We develop and evaluate innovative methods such as the Smart Platform Design Sprint (SPDS) and the Smart Platform Experiment Cycle (SPEC) to help companies - both in the B2C and the increasingly important B2B sector - to successfully design and establish value-adding digital platforms in the market. Our research includes the investigation of key concepts such as network effects, monetization strategies and the role of artificial intelligence, and we place great emphasis on the practical application and validation of our approaches in real business environments.

Projects:

Winter School: Digital Platform Business with SIT and STIHL

Innovation does not happen by itself - it is the result of a long and complex process. To increase the chances of success, a person is needed to guide the team through this process.

Innovation coaching offers precisely this support. It helps development teams to make the best possible use of their skills in a structured yet flexible innovation process. The aim is to find the right balance between agility and structure - appropriate to the task at hand.

In the early development phase, innovation coaching promotes problem-solving skills, improves collaboration and ensures that methods are used in a targeted and needs-based manner.

Projects:

Innovation coaching seminar with ebm-papst & Bürkert

In the research field of scaling and venturing, we address key issues relating to the generation, validation and scaling of innovative business ideas in start-ups, SMEs and cooperative forms of enterprise. Our focus is on researching and developing systematic methods for business model development and sustainable growth strategies. A particular focus is on the growth patterns of medium-sized companies: Here we analyze how these companies can identify new growth opportunities, master scaling challenges and assert themselves on international markets. In addition, we investigate cooperative venture approaches that make it possible to strategically pool knowledge, resources and networks - from early market exploration to international expansion. The aim of our research is to develop practical tools and methods that support companies at various stages of their growth - particularly with regard to the requirements of German SMEs. In this way, we contribute to the innovation and competitiveness of companies in the digital age.

Projects:

PhD: Business Growth Patterns for the Mittelstand(Johannes Lauer)

In the Business Experiments research field, we are investigating how companies can systematically discover, validate and optimize new business models in the face of rapid changes and uncertainties in the digital economy. Targeted experiments are used to reduce uncertainties and generate decision-relevant knowledge. One focus is on the application and further development of frameworks such as the B2B Startup Experimentation Framework (B-SEF), which comprises sequential steps from preparation to iterative execution (design, build, run, analyze). Originally developed for the B2B environment, we are also investigating the transferability of this approach to other contexts, such as B2C e-commerce. Case studies show that the framework can be successfully used to identify efficient online channels, for example by making adjustments to the sales funnel and adding an "awareness" phase. Our work provides practical guidelines for companies, promotes evidence-based management practices and supports informed decision-making in the innovation process.

In the research field of Technology Entrepreneurship, we investigate how technology-oriented innovations can emerge, grow and be successfully established on the market in both start-ups and established companies. We pay particular attention to analyzing success factors in technology and innovation management as well as supporting entrepreneurial activities with scientifically sound methods. The close links between the university, companies and the start-up ecosystem form a central basis for this - for example in the Master's degree course in Technology Entrepreneurship at Faculty W, which promotes practice-oriented projects, individual specializations and interdisciplinary exchange. The aim of our research is to optimally prepare talented entrepreneurs for the start-up process, company succession or the implementation of new ideas in existing organizations and to successfully implement innovative business models.