Advancing AI Innovation in SMEs: New Doctoral Project Funded through InnoProm

As part of the “InnoProm – Innovation and Promotion” funding initiative, the doctoral project of Kathrin Weber at the Chair of Entrepreneurship will be funded from January 2026 to December 2028. The project is co-financed by the European Union and the state of Rhineland-Palatinate and combines academic research with practical business applications.

The doctoral project, titled “Essays on AI Transformation – FRAME-KI: A Framework for the Identification, Modeling, and Evaluation of AI Value Creation in SMEs”, focuses on how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can systematically identify and assess the potential of artificial intelligence.

The project aims to develop a practical and empirically validated framework that supports companies in identifying AI use cases, modeling their value creation, and evaluating them in a structured and informed manner. A particular focus is placed on how organizations can purposefully develop capabilities for the successful adoption and use of AI.

By linking academic insights with real business needs, the project contributes to innovation-oriented research and development in SMEs while also supporting the qualification of early-career researchers and strengthening regional innovation capacities.

Project partners include AUFWERT GmbH, Crateflow GmbH, and Wolman Wood and Fire Protection GmbH.