The revolutionary power of artificial intelligence: opportunities for companies!
The WIFU Foundation publishes a guide to generative AI for family businesses to support digital transformation.

The revolutionary power of artificial intelligence: opportunities for companies!
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) has fundamentally changed the world of work and is forcing companies to deal intensively with this technology. The pressure to advance digitalization is particularly important for family businesses. On this basis, the new practical guide “Generative AI in Family Businesses” was published by the WIFU Foundation and Comma Soft AG. This publication promises not only to provide orientation, but also to provide concrete recommendations for the integration of generative AI into operational processes. However, according to [uni-wh.de], the guide is more than just an information manual; It contains four case studies from family-run medium-sized businesses as well as key research findings.
One of the key challenges that the guide addresses is the shortage of skilled workers. In addition, resource scarcity, internationalization and advancing digitalization are discussed. The contributors highlight that the chances of success in implementing AI technologies depend on five key factors. These factors include the conviction and support of top management and owners, an appropriate technical infrastructure with structured data, comprehensive training measures, clear data protection guidelines and a balance between specific use cases and company-wide adoption.
Practical application and legal aspects
The practical guide is aimed specifically at companies that either use generative AI or plan to do so. As part of this project, the guide provides an overview of the central questions when using generative AI as well as concrete recommendations for action. It includes an introduction to the technical basics and possible applications of the technology. It also highlights the legal aspects associated with the procurement and use of generative AI, such as the new regulatory framework of the EU AI Act, which includes transparency requirements, risk classifications and compliance measures.
Particularly relevant are the data protection requirements in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), IT security and possible liability risks when using generative AI. The guide also covers copyright issues, the protection of trade secrets and trademark issues. Last but not least, a separate section is dedicated to the labor law challenges that can arise in connection with AI-supported systems.
Ethical dimension and five key factors
Maren Bendel, the first author of the guide, emphasizes the need for digital maturity for the competitiveness of family businesses. The ethical dimension of using generative AI is also addressed. It shows how companies can deal responsibly with the opportunities and risks of this technology. In order to optimally master the challenges, it is crucial that family businesses keep an eye not only on the technology, but also on the associated legal and ethical issues.
The free availability of the practical guide on the WIFU Foundation's homepage ensures that numerous companies have access to valuable information. For further information please contact Dr. Ruth Orenstrat is available at ruth.orenstrat@wifu-stiftung.de.
In summary, companies that want to successfully integrate generative AI must deal with technical as well as legal and ethical issues. [bitkom.org] confirms that special training measures and a continuous exchange of experiences are crucial. The guide provides a comprehensive basis for this.