Digitalization in retail – trade association calls for technology

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On the occasion of the Federal Government Digital Summit, the German Trade Association calls for a nationwide technology and innovation campaign to strengthen the innovative power of retail in a 10-point plan. The association announced this.

Stefan Tromp, Deputy Director General of the Trade Association, stressed the importance of an effective digitalization strategy for retail trade, the third largest economic sector in Germany. “There is a need for a real attack on technology and innovation in Germany and Europe,” Tromp said, according to the statement.

In its plan, the trade association calls for low-bureaucratic regulation of AI. He warns that there are too many new regulations in the European AI Regulation, especially in the proposal for a Directive on AI Liability. The association is also calling for the unified implementation of the European Artificial Intelligence Act, which aims to harmonize regulations for artificial intelligence in Europe, Germany and the European Union. “There should be no regulatory patchwork. Otherwise, there will be unnecessary legal uncertainty and barriers to innovation for retailers,” Tromp explained.

The trade association sees the potential of artificial intelligence in retail

HDE sees great potential for AI technologies in retail, for example to improve operational processes in warehouse logistics or interaction with customers. In order to support SMEs in particular in integrating AI, he calls for targeted financing programmes. The association also wants to simplify access to technologies such as augmented reality, virtual reality and 3D printing for retailers. According to Tromp, comprehensive digital infrastructure is essential to achieve this.

Another focus of the plan is to ensure fair competitive conditions in international online trade. The trade association demands the same rules for all providers and criticizes the fact that international online service providers from third countries often operate outside existing European regulations. To protect consumers from illegal content, fraud and misinformation, consistent implementation of regulations such as the EU Digital Services Act is essential, according to the association.