Using AI and Cross-Generational Knowledge Transfer to Tackle the Skills Shortage in SMEs

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are facing a new challenge: The real bottleneck is no longer a lack of personnel, but a shortage of digital skills. At the same time, valuable practical knowledge is at risk of being lost as many experienced employees retire in the coming years. DE software & control GmbH is addressing this shift with its innovative project, BoomerZ.

BoomerZ combines the strengths of two generations: Young employees use AI to document the practical experience of their older colleagues. This creates digital, editable guides and tutorials that permanently preserve workflows, solutions, and tips. New team members benefit from shorter onboarding times, while younger staff learn to use AI productively. At the same time, generational conflicts are eased and natural exchanges in everyday work are encouraged.

“We cannot stop demographic change, but we can prevent knowledge from disappearing and employees from losing touch with AI,” says Friedrich Steininger, Managing Director of DE software & control GmbH. The project provides a practical foundation for the use of AI in SMEs and strengthens companies’ competitiveness.

BoomerZ thus makes an important contribution to securing know-how, promoting digital skills, and supporting economic stability—a strategic approach to making SMEs future-proof and innovative.

You can read the article here (German): Wenn die Boomer gehen: Wie KI das wichtigste Kapital des Mittelstands rettet