Inclusively utilize labor potential through digitalization and AI

The preservation and rapid qualification of a digitally competent workforce, which 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 particularly crucial for the competitiveness of companies. In view 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 or integrate people with age-related, cognitive, or mental impairments in the labor market longer and healthier, and to create an age- and disability-appropriate working environment. The research contract to be awarded (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 no systematic and comprehensive overview of this yet, practical and feasible scientific research is required 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 securing the experiential knowledge of employees and strengthening existing (consulting) structures by supporting overarching institutions (e.g., inclusion offices, chambers of industry and commerce, economic associations) in advising SMEs on digital transformation issues. The research contract will be tendered Europe-wide as a Competitive Dialogue with a preceding participation procedure. The services can be provided by a consortium. To achieve the set goals, the contractors implementing the research project must perform at least the following work packages. The exact design is to be explained by the bidders within the framework of the Competitive Dialogue: 1. Basic research and needs analysis: o Conduct of an empirical-explorative 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 Suitability check of AI technologies for specific fields of work; if suitability is lacking, the need for alternative solutions should be indicated. 2. Implementation strategies and integration: o Development of implementation proposals and assistance for the integration and long-term use of the identified technologies. o Identification and creation of target-group-specific information media and channels. o Integration of feedback and evaluation through a co-creative approach. 3. Review and adaptation: o Review and testing of the developed information media and channels, as well as their refinement and adaptation. o Testing the effectiveness of the (AI) support tools. 4. Dissemination including broad-based support services nationwide: o Continuous dissemination to strengthen the external impact of the project goals and results. Target audience of the research contract: Research institutions, universities, and research organizations. Subject and target audience of the research measure: SMEs and overarching institutions, which are to be involved accordingly in the project implementation. Perspectives of affected employees, organizations, and associations for self-representation, counseling, and self-help for and by people with disabilities must also be considered.