With the opening of its first German branch in the Augsburg Technology Center, ASSIST Software, an internationally active IT company with over 150 engineers, is making a strong statement in the DACH region. As part of the opening ceremony, Prof. Dr. Michael Zipfel gave the lecture "On a bike tour with AI - leadership between tailwind & responsibility", representing the HWG Ludwigshafen and the Competence Center for Leadership Experience.
Content and insights
The bicycle metaphor made abstract topics tangible:
- Maintaining balance: AI provides a tailwind, but humans remain on the handlebars.
- Error culture: Even if the "navigation system sends you into the field", it is important to learn from it.
- Leadership in the age of AI: Managers are "guides in the peloton" - they create trust, translate data and set clear values.
- Perspective for students: AI transformation is not only changing technology, but also organization and culture - a broad field for research, theses and practical projects.
Why this is important
The presentation showed that AI is more than just technology. It requires new skills, critical thinking and responsible leadership. For students, this means up-to-date research, direct practical relevance and access to strong networks - ideal conditions for their own projects and theses.
Outlook
The Competence Center will intensify its exchange with ASSIST Software to give students insights into international innovation networks and expand their skills in the areas of AI, digital transformation and leadership.
The key question remains:Am I driving myself - or is AI driving me?
