Experts agree that there will be no way around artificial intelligence (AI) in companies in the future. However, all companies that offer products and services based on artificial intelligence (AI) from 2026 will have to categorize their AI systems and have them checked by the authorities: This is what the EU law for AI, the “AI Act”, says. before. The process is likely to be complex and sometimes costly. For managers, this means they have less than two years to prepare. Barbara Stöttinger, dean of the Executive Academy at the Vienna University of Economics and Business, advises managers from all industries to get to grips with details as quickly as possible.
“What every company needs before it comes into force is a comprehensive AI strategy,” says digitalization expert Martin Giesswein. Managers need to familiarize themselves with AI, comply with legal requirements and at the same time ensure that AI is used ethically, says Stöttinger. Creating an internal company AI policy that regulates how it is used and controlled creates security for employees and customers. The topic of AI must also be integrated into the planning for the coming years.