German professor: 40-50% small German businesses use Chinese open-weight Al models

Professor Holznagel's claim suggests a notable adoption rate of Chinese open-weight AI models among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Germany. Open-weight models are AI systems where the underlying parameters are made publicly available, allowing users to inspect, modify, and deploy them without proprietary licensing restrictions on the model itself. This contrasts with proprietary models that typically restrict access to their internal workings.

The reported usage figure, if accurate, could indicate that German SMEs are finding value in these models. This value may stem from factors such as cost-effectiveness, accessibility, or the flexibility to customize them for specific business needs, as open-weight models often reduce reliance on more expensive proprietary solutions. The praise for DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup, implies that some of these models are perceived as technologically capable.

This reported trend could indicate a growing reliance on non-Western AI infrastructure within a segment of the German economy. Such a shift might influence future considerations around digital sovereignty and supply chain diversification for AI technologies, particularly for businesses seeking alternatives to established Western offerings.