What can artificial intelligence really achieve – and where are its limits?
This question was a recurring theme at the symposium organised by the Capital Markets Union Foundation, which took place on 13 June 2025 at EBS University in Oestrich-Winkel. Experts from the worlds of business, science and politics discussed the role that artificial intelligence (AI) will play in the real economy and the financial world, as well as in legislation – and in the lives of every individual.
Productivity booster with insufficient momentum?
Right at the start, Prof. Marianne Saam (University of Hamburg/ZBW) took the audience on an macro-economic journey: What real effects can AI have on long-term economic growth?
Although computing power is growing exponentially, the so-called productivity paradox remains: for AI to deliver a sustainable boost of more than 0.5 percentage points per year, many factors must come together – including widespread application in at least 40 per cent of companies and significant efficiency gains in a third of jobs.
High tech meets financial markets
Gereon Stalter (student representative at EBS University) showed how this could potentially be increased using the example of AI-supported foreign exchange trading. His presentation on ‘quantum-inspired optimisation’ clearly demonstrated how modern AI technology can significantly increase speed in algorithmic trading.
Prof. Raša Karapandža (EBS/NYU) also offered a fascinating glimpse under the hood of AI: He explained how large language models (LLMs) work and discussed with the audience when machines can even outperform humans in decision-making.
Practical examples with strategic added value
Things got exciting when it came to specific use cases: Fabian Tomaschek (BDO) and Annelie Gallon (Appinio) showed how AI is already creating real added value in financial and legal services today. The message: AI can do much more than automate – it can improve decisions and promote innovation.
Appeal from politics
In his closing keynote speech, Armand Zorn (deputy chairman of the SPD parliamentary group in the German Bundestag) called for a rethink: data protection is important, but without regulated and meaningful data use, Europe is wasting its potential. He called for greater regulatory coherence and digital sovereignty – especially in times of growing disinformation.
Conclusion: Think holistically
The conference made it clear that artificial intelligence is not a purely technical issue. It touches on fundamental questions of economic activity, political action and social coexistence. Only with a holistic approach can its potential be used sensibly and responsibly.