Over the past two years, we have held many discussions – and one topic has come up repeatedly: companies, local authorities, and research partners want to become part of a reliable AI network. One that offers guidance and enables joint solutions. That is precisely why we have opened up the Baden-Württemberg AI Alliance cooperative. New members can now become part of our structure and contribute their needs directly. Find out what this means exactly and why opening up the cooperative is such an important step for AI in the state.
Membership in the AI Alliance is not a symbolic act, but a conscious decision to collaborate. It means being part of a structure in which needs can be specifically formulated and jointly developed. And this is now possible thanks to the cooperative's opening up to interested organizations.
In our formats and projects, we regularly encounter situations in which perspectives complement each other: a company benefits from the experience of a local authority; a city uses findings from science; a research project finds its first real-world application in a small or medium-sized enterprise. It is precisely this combination of knowledge and need that creates impact.
From regional initiatives to a nationwide structure
The AI Alliance Baden-Württemberg emerged from six founding regions that recognized early on that AI only delivers real benefits when knowledge is shared and responsibility is borne jointly. What began as an association of individual regions in Baden-Württemberg has developed since 2023 into a state-wide structure that makes needs more visible, provides guidance, and reliably connects stakeholders. With the opening of the cooperative, we are consistently developing this approach further. Sandra Rohner, Managing Director of the AI Alliance Baden-Württemberg, describes the step as follows: "We are opening the cooperative because AI in the state should not arise by chance. We are creating a structure in which needs are taken seriously, jointly evaluated, and translated into effective solutions. This step makes it clear that we don't just want to accompany, but also help shape the future – together with the people and institutions that shape Baden-Württemberg."
Demand in the country is increasing—and guidance is needed
The impetus to open the cooperative came from demand. Companies were looking for guidance in the AI market, local authorities wanted reliable assessments of what suited their tasks, and research institutions were asking for ways to put their innovations into practice. The number and depth of these inquiries showed us how great the need is for a structured and neutral point of contact. For a network that bundles all these inquiries, organizes them, and directs them to the right places.
Our cooperative is the answer to this: a framework in which needs are systematically identified, linked together, and developed further—not as individual cases, but as a joint process.
We see membership as an invitation to actively shape the future of AI in the country. This requires a structure that brings together perspectives and expertise and enables well-founded decisions.
Four new cooperative members and numerous connections
Since opening, we have experienced a dynamic that shows how relevant this step is. Four new cooperative members have already joined our community—and we are simultaneously conducting numerous in-depth discussions with organizations and municipalities that have specific needs and would like to become part of the structure.
These discussions show us very clearly where the challenges lie: How can the market be classified? Which solutions are trustworthy? How can an AI project be launched in such a way that it is sustainable in the long term rather than producing short-term effects?
Michael Kaiser, member of our Executive Board, sums up this mood: "We sense that there is a genuine willingness in the country to use AI—but only if the foundation, i.e., a viable infrastructure, is in place. Organizations are looking for guidance and quality. That is exactly what we stand for as a cooperative that bundles existing AI expertise and creates synergies."
A building block for the location – today and in the long term
By opening up the cooperative, we are strengthening Baden-Württemberg's role as a responsible AI location. Alongside strong players such as Cyber Valley in Stuttgart and the IPAI in Heilbronn, we are creating a structure that systematically incorporates the user perspective – thereby accelerating the transfer of theory into practice across the board.
Our task is clear: to create transparency, pool knowledge in a quality-assured manner, and enable impact where it is needed. Or as Sandra Rohner puts it: "We bring people together with ideas, data, and technologies in a targeted manner. This creates the synergies that are necessary for AI to unfold its full potential in business, administration, and society."
A step that continues together
For us, opening up the cooperative is not the end, but rather the beginning of a new form of cooperation. It highlights what Baden-Württemberg needs—and what we can achieve together when needs are taken seriously and stakeholders are brought together in a targeted manner.
This leaves us with an open question that goes to the heart of our work: How do we want to work with AI in this country in the future—and who wants to continue on this path with us?
Does that sound interesting?
Then find out more about membership of the AI Alliance here.