How can SMEs in Saxony become digitally sovereign and resilient?

Saxony's economy is characterised by a strong SME sector: SMEs employ around 72 percent of the workforce and generate more than half of the region's value added. However, SMEs are particularly susceptible to external shocks and a shortage of skilled labour. This is where STARDUST comes in: Through close cooperation with companies, chambers and associations such as the Leipzig Chamber of Crafts, the Leipzig Chamber of Industry and Commerce and the Saxony Entrepreneurs' Association, the research results are transferred directly into practice. The interdisciplinary team of young researchers, most of whom are graduates of HTWK Leipzig, not only has specialist expertise, but also entrepreneurial experience. Over the next three years, they will develop concrete solutions for SMEs in Saxony that will increase digital sovereignty through the self-determined use of technology, strengthen organisational resilience through flexible structures and innovative methods, promote sustainable business models and ensure competitiveness.

The ESF junior research group is specifically dedicated to five organisational, technological and socio-technical problems. These are: (1) heterogeneous and volatile data landscapes and limited resources, (2) a lack of digital self-determination, (3) deficits in information processing and decision-making, (4) organisational barriers to the introduction of new technologies and (5) barriers to innovation and a lack of networks.

"SMEs face the dual challenge of transforming themselves digitally and at the same time positioning themselves resiliently in the face of crises. With STARDUST, we are developing practical solutions that strengthen precisely these capabilities - and in such a way that they are directly applicable to Saxon companies," says Prof Dr Holger Müller, head of the research group and holder of the Chair of Business Administration and Supply Chain Management at HTWK Leipzig.

"The HTWK Leipzig is committed to promoting young talent. STARDUST marks the start of the 13th ESF junior research group, which conducts interdisciplinary and applied research and paves the way for young scientists to gain interdisciplinary qualifications as well as a doctorate. The practical aim is also to ensure the long-term competitiveness of SMEs in Saxony: The results of STARTDUST will be bundled in a learning and demonstration laboratory and made available to the Saxon economy after the end of the project," says Prof. Dr.-Ing. Faouzi Derbel, Vice-Rector for Research and Sustainability at HTWK Leipzig.

Lena Fahry studied Business Administration at the HTWK Leipzig. In her thesis, she investigated how artificial intelligence (AI) can support companies in complying with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and sustainability reporting. Her research sub-topic deals with the introduction of a swarm organisation to support the implementation of AI.

Klara Lindner completed the Master's programme in Media Informatics at the HTWK Leipzig. Since 2022, she has been working in the development of mobile and extended reality(XR) applications for small and medium-sized companies. She is investigating how AI-supported XR solutions as immersive technologies can contribute to strengthening the communication skills and resilience of SMEs.

Mohaymen Moradi Nasrabadi studied architecture with a focus on data-driven design methods. He worked at the Mittelstand-Digital Zentrum Leipzig-Halle and the Experimental Digital Laboratory Architecture at HTWK Leipzig, where he developed digital tools to optimise the interfaces between planning and production in modular timber construction. He is now working on the promotion and implementation of open innovation strategies using AI-supported matching methods.

Liza Reichardt completed a master's degree in screenwriting and dramaturgy at the Film University Babelsberg Konrad Wolf. She is co-founder of the social enterprise TrustBox, which develops AI solutions for conflict management and team dynamics. As a member of the STARDUST research group, she investigates how narrative approaches can support the use of open source AI systems in small and medium-sized enterprises.

Anne Rübe studied Business Administration at the HTWK Leipzig. She is dedicated to the research sub-topic of ESG data management along the supply chain to sustainably strengthen competitiveness. "ESG" stands for Environmental, Social and Governance and refers to regulations for evaluating the sustainable and ethical practices of companies.