Inclusive utilization of labor potential through digitalization and AI

The preservation and rapid enablement of a digitally competent working society that contributes to a productive and competitive economy despite demographic change and skilled labor shortage is of strategic interest to the federal government. Securing the skilled labor base is crucial for the competitiveness of companies. Against the backdrop of an aging society, there is an urgent need for action to retain employees in companies for as long as possible under good and healthy working conditions, to tap into unused domestic potential, and to make the world of work more inclusive and diverse. Digital technologies and, in particular, Artificial Intelligence (AI) offer the opportunity to keep people with age-related, cognitive, or mental impairments in the labor market longer and healthier, or to integrate them, and to create a work environment that is suitable for age and disability. The research contract to be awarded, “Inclusive utilization of labor potential through digitalization and AI” (service period: 2027–2028), aims to identify the opportunities and needs of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and employees with disabilities for the use of technological support in the workplace, and thus to leverage labor potential with the help of digitalization and AI. As there is currently no systematic and comprehensive overview of this, practical and applicable scientific research is needed on how SMEs can support employees with disabilities through the use of new technologies (e.g., AI) in the workplace. It should also contribute to preserving the experiential knowledge of employees and strengthening existing (advisory) structures by supporting overarching institutions (e.g., inclusion offices, chambers of industry and commerce, chambers of crafts) in advising SMEs on digital transformation issues. The research contract is expected to be tendered throughout Europe from mid/late August 2026 as a competitive dialogue with a preceding participation procedure. The services can be provided by a consortium. The following project steps are conceivable: 1. Basic research and needs analysis: o Conducting an empirical-exploratory study to identify and systematically present the needs of SMEs and their employees with disabilities. o Creation of an overview of suitable technological and AI-based solutions. o Examination of the suitability of AI technologies for specific fields of work; if not suitable, the need for alternative solutions should be indicated. 2. Implementation strategies and implementation: o Development of implementation proposals and assistance for the implementation and long-term use of the identified technologies. o Identification and creation of target-group-specific information materials and channels. o Incorporation of feedback and evaluation through a co-creative approach. 3. Review and adaptation: o Review and testing of the developed information materials and channels, and their refinement and adaptation. o Testing the effectiveness of the (AI) support tools. 4. Dissemination including broad-reaching support services across the region: o Continuous dissemination to enhance the external impact of the project goals and results. The target audience for the research contract are research institutions, universities, and research organizations. The subject and target audience of the research measure are SMEs and overarching institutions, which are to be involved accordingly in the project implementation. Furthermore, the perspectives of affected employees and organizations and associations for self-representation, advice, and self-help of and for people with disabilities must be continuously considered.