E-Commerce Marketing
 
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AEO in the Era of Generative AI: Strategic Relevance and Operationalization

AEO in the Era of Generative AI: Strategic Relevance and Operationalization

Abstract The progressive establishment of generative Artificial Intelligence such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity is fundamentally transforming consumer search behavior. Instead of traditional Search Engine Result Pages (SERPs), directly formulated answers from Large Language Models (LLMs) are increasingly taking center stage. This paradigm shift requires a strategic expansion of traditional Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to …

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Digital Management
 
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Algorithmic Compliance: Systemic Relevance of AI Training for Corporate Compliance

Algorithmic Compliance: Systemic Relevance of AI Training for Corporate Compliance

Abstract The increasing density of national and European regulatory frameworks presents modern enterprises with substantial challenges in securing corporate compliance. In parallel with established systems such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG), the disruptive integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into core operational processes necessitates a comprehensive …

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E-Commerce
 
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EmpCo Directive in the UWG: System Analysis of Logistic Market Consequences

EmpCo Directive in the UWG: System Analysis of Logistic Market Consequences

Abstract The alignment of European regulatory requirements with national legislative frameworks necessitates precise legal transitional arrangements to avert market disruptions and resource losses within the retail sector. This expert analysis, compiled by the E-Commerce Institut Köln, examines the regulatory transformation of the European EmpCo Directive into the German Act Against Unfair Competition (UWG). The focus …

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General
 
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IU Research May/June 2026: AI Institute, Digital Health and ISPC | E-Commerce Institute Cologne

IU Research May/June 2026: AI Institute, Digital Health and ISPC | E-Commerce Institute Cologne

The IU Internationale Hochschule research office has published its Newsletter #28 for May and June 2026 – and it impressively demonstrates the breadth and societal relevance of research at IU. New third-party-funded projects in Artificial Intelligence, health and social innovation, a new AI Research Institute, successful symposia and the upcoming ISPC 2026 in Switzerland: the …

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Social Commerce
 
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Social Commerce 2026: The FISC Model, FOMO and the Future of Digital Retail

Social Commerce 2026: The FISC Model, FOMO and the Future of Digital Retail

Social media and e-commerce are converging – and transforming the way millions of people shop. What lies behind the concept of social commerce, which platforms are driving the development, how does the scientific FISC model developed by Prof. Dr. Richard C. Geibel work – and where are the limits of the trend? The E-Commerce Institute …

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General
 
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From Tokenmaxxing to Tokenomics: Why AI Usage Is Becoming More Expensive for Companies in 2026 – and How Smart Strategies Fight Back

From Tokenmaxxing to Tokenomics: Why AI Usage Is Becoming More Expensive for Companies in 2026 – and How Smart Strategies Fight Back

The AI hype of recent years has triggered a costly wake-up call: companies such as Uber burned through their entire annual AI budget in less than four months. Newer, more powerful models are simultaneously far more expensive – and are being deployed for ever more complex tasks. The era of “tokenmaxxing” is over. Under the …

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ISPC
 
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ISPC 2026 Records Strong International Growth: Global Research on AI, Digitalization, and E-Commerce Continues to Expand

ISPC 2026 Records Strong International Growth: Global Research on AI, Digitalization, and E-Commerce Continues to Expand

The 6th International Scientific-Practical Conference (ISPC 2026) demonstrates remarkable growth, highlighting the increasing global relevance of research on artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and e-commerce. With more than 100 submissions, 174 contributing authors from 48 universities and institutions, and representation from 20 countries across five continents, the conference has evolved into an important platform for international …

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General
 
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EU Package Fee from 1 July 2026: What the New Customs Rules Mean for Temu, Shein and European E-Commerce

EU Package Fee from 1 July 2026: What the New Customs Rules Mean for Temu, Shein and European E-Commerce

From 1 July 2026, the European Union levies a flat fee of €3 per tariff classification on all e-commerce packages from third countries – and simultaneously abolishes the previous customs exemption threshold of €150. The measure hits Asian platforms such as Temu, Shein and AliExpress particularly hard, as their business model relies on direct-shipping from …

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General
 
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Cybersecurity in E-Commerce: Lookalike Domains and Fraudulent Infrastructures During Global Shopping Events

Cybersecurity in E-Commerce: Lookalike Domains and Fraudulent Infrastructures During Global Shopping Events

Abstract Major digital events in online retail, such as the annual Amazon Prime Day, induce a significant intensification of fraudulent cyber activities. This specialist article examines the structural mechanics of fake shops and lookalike domains within digital commerce. In addition to the empirical quantification of the threat potential, concrete preventive action recommendations are developed for …

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ISPC
 
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ISPC 2026 – E-Commerce Best Practice Day

ISPC 2026 – E-Commerce Best Practice Day

Abstract The scientific and practice-oriented discourse in digital commerce reaches a new milestone. Within the framework of the E-Commerce Best Practice Day 2026 at the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW), pioneering developments in modern online retail will be analyzed. Taking into account the expertise of Prof. Dr. Richard Geibel (E-Commerce Institut Köln / …

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Social Commerce
 
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Expert Interview: How Social Commerce and Live Shopping Are Transforming E-Commerce

Expert Interview: How Social Commerce and Live Shopping Are Transforming E-Commerce

Abstract Digital commerce is undergoing continuous structural change. Social commerce and live shopping represent the convergence of social media and e-commerce infrastructures. In an expert interview on the radio program SR Kultur, Prof. Dr. Richard Geibel (Director of the E-Commerce Institute Cologne, which he founded, and professor at the International University, Cologne) analyzes the driving …

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IU
 
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Successful IU Students Symposium 2026 in Cologne: Digital Transformation and Academic Excellence

Successful IU Students Symposium 2026 in Cologne: Digital Transformation and Academic Excellence

Abstract On May 22, 2026, the Cologne Campus in the Gerling Quartier transformed into a dynamic forum for young academics. With the premiere of the “IU Students Symposium – Spotlight on our Students” and its close integration with the parallel 3. IU Health Symposium, a high-profile platform was established. This dual event fostered a targeted …

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Content Marketing
 
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Answer Engine Optimization: Strategic Approaches to Increasing AI Citation Probability

Answer Engine Optimization: Strategic Approaches to Increasing AI Citation Probability

Abstract Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) aims to position web content as reliable sources for AI systems. As AI assistants increasingly provide direct answers, visibility as a cited source becomes a competitive advantage. AEO combines content expertise with technical structure so that algorithms can extract information precisely. What is Answer Engine Optimization (AEO)? AEO is the …

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Sustainability
 
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Ecosia: Sustainable Search Engine Technology and Ecological Responsibility

Ecosia: Sustainable Search Engine Technology and Ecological Responsibility

Abstract Ecosia, headquartered in Berlin, is a search engine that combines ecological responsibility with high usability. The company uses 100% of its profits for global climate and environmental protection projects. By using smaller, faster AI models, Ecosia minimizes its digital footprint while offering an intuitive and pleasant user experience. Company Profile and Climate Protection Ecosia …

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IU
 
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IU Faculty Meeting in Cologne: Academic Exchange, Startup Culture and a City Worth Exploring

IU Faculty Meeting in Cologne: Academic Exchange, Startup Culture and a City Worth Exploring

A report from the IU Internationale Hochschule faculty meeting in Cologne — including a visit to STARTPLATZ Mediapark, drinks at the Osman 30 rooftop bar and dinner at the traditional Brauhaus Päffgen. What Is the IU Faculty Meeting? Once a year, lecturers from IU Internationale Hochschule gather from across Germany. Most of them teach remotely …

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E-Commerce
 
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E-Commerce 2026: Strategies for AI, Logistics, and Sustainability

E-Commerce 2026: Strategies for AI, Logistics, and Sustainability

Abstract The new DHL E-Commerce Trends Report 2026 provides a profound analysis of the digital shift within modern online retail. The study reveals a significant discrepancy between consumer expectations and the current service offerings of many merchants. The central focus of the investigation lies in the strategic integration of artificial intelligence, highly flexible logistics solutions, …

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Social Commerce
 
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Social Commerce at Kremer: Innovative Sales Channels in the Nature Garden Center

Social Commerce at Kremer: Innovative Sales Channels in the Nature Garden Center

Abstract The family business Kremer was founded in 1905 by Franz Kremer and is now in its fourth generation. With five locations and affiliated garden cafes, the company is seeking new sales channels. Since there is currently no e-commerce shop, this work analyzes the use of social commerce via the Whatnot platform. The goal is …

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ISPC
 
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ISPC 2026: International Conference for Digital and AI Management

ISPC 2026: International Conference for Digital and AI Management

Conference Profile ISPC 2026: The 6th annual international scientific-practical conference “Digital and AI Management – Scientific Research and Practical Implementation” provides a scientific forum for digitalization in business, management, education, and research. The event takes place in a hybrid format and is supported by a consortium of FHNW, IU, Adelphi University, East European University, and …

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General
 
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Grade Inflation at Elite Universities: Harvard Introduces Caps on Top Grades

Grade Inflation at Elite Universities: Harvard Introduces Caps on Top Grades

Abstract: The University of Harvard is responding to the progressive grade inflation at elite universities by introducing a mandatory quota for awarding top grades. Since approximately 60 percent of all grades issued in the institution’s undergraduate program currently correspond to the highest mark “A”, this measure is designed to counteract the devaluation of academic degrees. …

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ISPC
 
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ISPC 2026 Conference: Digital and AI Management

ISPC 2026 Conference: Digital and AI Management

Abstract: The upcoming ISPC 2026 conference (6th annual International Scientific-Practical Conference) addresses the scientific research and practical implementation of digital and AI management. This international event provides an academic forum for presenting and analyzing relevant digitalization processes within business, management, education, and research. The scientific coordination and organization are managed by an international committee representing …

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