AI Expert Eckhart Hilgenstock Warns: Germany's Companies Must Embrace AI to Survive
Eckhart Hilgenstock, a renowned interim manager and author, has shared insights on AI's role in businesses, particularly in Germany's current economic climate. He believes AI can boost productivity and reduce costs, despite companies' inability to directly influence major hurdles like excessive bureaucracy and high energy costs. Hilgenstock, named 'Top Interim Manager 2025', will present his latest book, 'Economic Turnaround Now!', on October 28 at the Munich Press Club.
Hilgenstock, who has held senior roles at Microsoft and IBM, argues that the AI boom is far from over. He warns that companies discouraged from investing in AI risk falling behind competitors. He suggests starting with a profitable, short-term use case and building an AI team for those using AI as a growth engine.
In his book 'AI in Companies: Opportunities, Risks, Successes', Hilgenstock provides best practice examples of AI applications in business development. He believes AI can help companies stay afloat despite location disadvantages. Hilgenstock's upcoming book, 'Economic Turnaround Now!', focuses on AI's role in avoiding Germany's economic decline without leaving the country.
According to a survey of 550 interim managers, excessive bureaucracy and high energy costs are the biggest obstacles to Germany's economic recovery. Hilgenstock, a member of the Diplomatic Council, a global think tank with advisory status to the United Nations, believes AI is the biggest lever companies have to overcome these challenges. He will present his solutions and strategies in his upcoming book launch at the Munich Press Club.
