Digital AI Day: Bonn shows the future of artificial intelligence!

Digital AI Day: Bonn shows the future of artificial intelligence!

On July 4, 2025, the digital AI Day 2.0 took place in the Bonn University Administration, under the motto “AI 2.0”. Around 200 employees took part in this event, which illustrates the great interest in artificial intelligence (AI). Dr. Holger Impekoven, who led the event, presented the developments and results of the past year. The year before, the first AI Day took place with the aim of promoting a structured discussion of AI in administration.

The focus of the event was on the use of AI, particularly with regard to supporting work intensification and a shortage of skilled workers. Artificial intelligence is viewed as collegial co-intelligence that complements human potential. The need to create supportive frameworks and training opportunities was emphasized as technological development advances rapidly.

Innovations and training

An outstanding example of progress is the AI-supported assistance system KILIAN, which was presented as a proof of concept. The University of Bonn has formulated clear regulations for the use of freely available AI tools, which also include data protection standards. This is happening as part of a newly developed training program called “Fit for AI”, which is already in high demand.

There is great interest in the Bonn approaches as best practices in the scientific community, and other universities are open to exchange. Communities of Practice (CoP KI) play a crucial role by supporting change processes and pooling expertise. The applications that have already been implemented include ChatGPT, which helps with the linguistic preparation of legal judgments, and ElevenLabs, which is used to set presentations and videos to music.

Strategic approach and challenges

The AI ​​strategy of the administration in Bonn is based on recommendations from a think tank made up of scientists and aims to ensure the safe, sustainable and responsible use of AI. Challenges cited include bias, privacy issues and societal changes. A whitelist of tested AI applications and new training formats were presented to address these challenges.

Chancellor Holger Gottschalk emphasized the strategic relevance of AI and the commitment of employees. In the future, AI tools will be made available to reduce barriers to use. The development of chatbots and corresponding training offerings is also planned. Dr. Impekoven emphasized the need to actively shape development.

However, the discussion about artificial intelligence is not limited to Bonn. An analysis by McKinsey shows that generative artificial intelligence can close efficiency gaps and accelerate digitalization in administration. GenAI enables the automation of up to 60-70% of time spent in many employment areas. Administrations around the world are developing national strategies for the use of GenAI, and countries such as Denmark, the United Kingdom and Italy are actively pursuing measures to promote these technologies.

The federal government is planning to invest 1.5 billion euros by 2025 to establish Germany as a leading AI location. GenAI solutions are currently mainly being tested in pilot projects in public administration. Success factors for scaling GenAI in government include creating a reliable regulatory framework, promoting transparency and social acceptance, and systematically expanding skills and access to GenAI talent.

By sharing GenAI solutions between authorities, smaller institutions could also benefit from these innovative technologies. Ultimately, the comprehensive scaling of GenAI could make administration more efficient and closer to the citizens.