expert-hub.li – Making know-how and skills for digital transformation visible and accessible through Artificial Intelligence

Digihub.li’s needs analysis with Liechtenstein SME and the public sector showed a high demand for strengthening the visibility of SME and providing centralised IT services and work tools that support SME across industries. A comprehensive and accurate online company directory is missing in Liechtenstein. Existing business directories are primarily static in structure and do not offer any integrated interaction or transaction options. There is a lack of solutions that combine visibility, communication, and service processing on a single platform.

GB Marketing & Solutions GmbH (gbms.li) is specialised in digital marketing and wants to develop an industry directory for Liechtenstein to support SME in enhancing customer acquisition.

The project “Public API: The Foundation for a Digital Ecosystem in Liechtenstein” by FOGS AG – weblab.li emphasises the importance of broad digital SME profiles on a centralised platform as the first building block for a Digital Ecosystem building in Liechtenstein.

FOGS AG – weblab.li supported GMBS with
-results of digihub.li’s needs analysis
-details and requirements regarding “Public API” project
-analysis of existing solutions and frameworks in Liechtenstein
-definition of relevant requirements (software, functions, architecture, compatibility)
-research in the EDIH network about ongoing projects
-establishing cooperation with the start-up HalloSophia by Finothek GmbH, Austria
-business model development
-project management

Solution to satisfy customers’ digital transformation needs 

With “expert-hub.li”, FOGS AG – weblab.li supported GBMS in implementing a new business model for the Liechtenstein market. The established cooperation with HalloSophia by Finothek GmbH, Austria, and the adaption of the platform to the local market created a modern online service. The operation and technical support for the platform lies with HalloSophia. This enables GBMS to focus on its online marketing services and to develop further digital solutions on the basis of the newly established platform.

Rationale behind the investment 

There has been no further public investment on the project. FOGS AG has provided its contribution free of charge to continue and foster the goals of the “Public API” project as the foundation of the development of a digital ecosystem. “Expert-hub.li” is one important building block for the ecosystem that is now independently run by a Liechtenstein SME and ready for a broader ecosystem collaboration.

Results and benefits

The result of the service is the development of a new business model for GMBS that is based on a modern online platform. The platform acts as an expert advisory portal with AI-supported matching of expert advice to customers’ needs. The AI-supported architecture allows for the structured search for experts and enables requests to be assigned to suitable skills according to customers’ needs. The platform provides the following functions:

-online profiles for experts
-defined service offers of experts
-chat function
-offering of individual services
-meeting scheduling
-document exchange
-online video meeting
-automated invoicing and payment
-implementation of services packages on own websites (Iframe integration)

The platform is not only a new business model for GMBS, but rather provides the following benefits for all SME and Liechtenstein as an economic area:

-structuring of Liechtenstein market / experts / know-how
-matching with local and international statistic measures
-standardised digitization of customer onboarding, advice and post-processing (offer, online meeting, payment, invoicing)
-expert profiles as a straightforward solution for web presence of small companies / experts / self-employed advisors

Further results and benefits
The expert advisory portal has been adapted to the Liechtenstein market with several benefits:

-The data structures of the platform will be the basis for further platforms such as the company register / industry directory “firmen-verzeichnis.li” (in development).
-With “KI-Lie – the AI for Liechtenstein”, an AI assistant has been developed that gives first advice to customers on Liechtenstein topics and matches customers to relevant advisors. KI-Lie will be the central AI assistant that will provide support on expert-hub.li and other platforms. 
- An easy way to enhance visibility of SME is provided.
-The expert advisory portal covers all sectors and public sector organizations. SME, self-employed individuals and NGOs can register as experts and provide their knowledge and support.
-The platform strengthens economic activity on the level of B2B, B2C and G2C.
-Small service units and unprofitable services can easily be monetised with an opportunity for increased turnover.

Do’s:

• Invest sufficient time in planning: A robust planning phase set a solid foundation for the project. It ensured that all subsequent steps were strategically aligned with the overarching goals.
• Strongly adapt steps based on insights: Flexibility in adjusting processes based on findings from earlier phases proved essential. This iterative approach allowed the project to remain relevant and effective.
• Start with qualitative interviews: Using qualitative interviews and the basis of pre-project “Public API” as a starting point was instrumental in gaining in-depth insights and understanding the nuances of stakeholder needs.
• Communicate strategically with stakeholders: Navigating the complexities of stakeholder interactions with clarity and purpose strengthened involvement and enhanced the quality of insights. By elucidating the rationale behind processes, stakeholders were more engaged and better positioned to contribute meaningfully.
• Stay flexible throughout the project lifecycle: Adaptability fosters innovation and responsiveness to emerging challenges.

Don’ts:

• Stick rigidly to non-working ideas: In hindsight, involving experts at an earlier stage could have accelerated problem-solving and enriched project outcomes.
• Adhere strictly to the original scope when greater potential exists: Recognising the broader potential of the activity early on, so the business idea has been successfully expanded to match with follow-up projects and other platforms.
• Overlook the importance of clear communication: Ensure that all stakeholders understand the goals and processes to align contributions effectively and boost collaborative engagement.

By integrating these lessons, EDIHs and their partners can enhance project effectiveness and maximise their impact across diverse initiatives.