Wide Gap Found in AI Utilization among Eastern and Western Businesses - Notable Variations in Artificial Intelligence Application Within Businesses Across Eastern and Western Regions
In a survey conducted by the polling institute Civey for the Association of the Internet Industry e.V. (eco), it has been revealed that there is a significant disparity in the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools between companies in Eastern and Western Germany.
The survey, which was conducted online from June 25 to July 11 and involved 500 IT decision-makers, revealed that 68% of companies nationwide use AI tools. However, this number is notably lower in Eastern Germany, with only 52% of companies using AI tools, compared to 71.2% in Western Germany. On the other hand, over a quarter of all companies in Germany do not plan to use AI tools, with this number being significantly higher in Eastern Germany at 37.6%.
The results of the survey suggest that the legal situation is a significant obstacle for AI implementation in Germany, with 41% of companies naming this as the biggest hurdle. Security concerns, lack of know-how, and lack of business models and application areas were also cited as challenges.
Eco chairman, Oliver Süme, stated that Germany is drifting apart in the use of future technologies. He warned of a potential digital two-class society if the East doesn't catch up quickly.
Regarding the reasons behind the gap in AI usage, the survey findings indicate that digital readiness and talent availability play crucial roles.
Regional differences in digital infrastructure are a significant factor, with Western German states like Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and Hesse having higher Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) scores compared to Eastern states such as Brandenburg, Saxony-Anhalt, and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. This disparity reflects better broadband access, digital services, and support for innovation in Western regions, facilitating more favorable conditions for AI adoption.
Germany faces a substantial AI talent gap, with a demand far exceeding the available supply. While this issue is country-wide, regions with higher investment in innovation and better infrastructure, typically Western Germany, are more likely to attract and retain AI professionals.
The presence of strong innovation hubs and a larger number of AI startups in Western regions, such as Berlin and Munich, contributes to a more vibrant AI ecosystem. These conditions foster a culture of innovation and encourage the adoption of AI technologies.
Government strategies focusing on attracting international talent and supporting AI development are likely to be more effective in regions already endowed with better digital infrastructure, further exacerbating the gap between Eastern and Western Germany.
In conclusion, the significant disparities in AI adoption between Eastern and Western Germany can be attributed to differences in digital readiness, talent availability, economic conditions, and innovation ecosystems. To bridge this gap, efforts should be made to improve digital infrastructure, support innovation, and attract AI talent in Eastern Germany.
- The findings from the survey suggest that the disparity in Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption between companies in Eastern and Western Germany might be due to differences in community policies, as 41% of companies nationwide cite the legal situation as the biggest hurdle for AI implementation.
- To foster a more vibrant AI ecosystem in Eastern Germany, it is crucial to focus on vocational training in technology and related fields, as regions such as Berlin and Munich, with a higher concentration of AI startups, have developed a culture of innovation that encourages the adoption of AI technologies.
