E K & the good lab. SHAPING SMARTER FUTURES

As part of the FRÜHschicht series at Glasfaser Ruhr in Herne, Avela Gronemeyer and I offered insights into the EU AI Act and its relevance for small and medium-sized enterprises. What may at first sound like legal fine print actually has far-reaching practical implications: the obligations for companies vary significantly depending on whether they use simple tools or complex AI systems. Our discussion focused on how organizations can assume responsibility while harnessing the potential of AI. Key topics included mandatory employee training, the development of internal AI policies, and the strategic integration of AI into existing structures. Practical examples from areas such as recruitment, chatbots, and energy forecasting illustrated that the path toward responsible AI begins with awareness, competence, and a clear ethical stance. Many thanks for the invitation and the engaging early-morning exchange!