In Cologne’s dynamic digital scene, blogging is currently celebrating a comeback. A professional blogging setup and sound security aspects are more important than ever for publishers in NRW to ensure that their journey into tomorrow’s blogging world doesn’t end prematurely due to cyber risks. Why is digital security for blogs so crucial today at the …
As part of the IU Research Umbrella Project, the TikTok Shop is being analyzed as a transformative form of Social Commerce. This business psychology study utilizes the S-O-R Model to scientifically establish the paradigm shift from goal-oriented searching to algorithmically driven discovery (“Discovery E-Commerce”) within the German market. Project Leadership: Prof. Dr. Richard Geibel & …
The IU Student Symposium 2026 in Cologne is dedicated to highlighting outstanding student achievements. Within this format, students from the fields of Business Administration, Social Work, Childhood Education, and Health Management present their scientific research to a specialist audience of practice partners and the public. The event serves as a central networking platform for the …
This professional report documents the 3rd IU Health Symposium in Cologne, led by Prof. Dr. Richard C. Geibel. The focus lies on the content development of the Springer anthology “Digital Health in Germany”. By merging theory and practice, the foundation for the expanded 2026 edition is being established. The symposium continues the tradition of scientific …
Abstract. AI-powered attacks, synthetic identities and so-called friendly fraud are fundamentally reshaping the threat landscape for German and global online retail. By 2030, Juniper Research projects annual fraud losses of €131 billion. At the same time, new Nacha regulations came into force in the United States in March 2026. The E-Commerce Institute Cologne provides an …
Abstract. The FMCG market in the DACH region is undergoing a fundamental shift: sustainability has evolved from a nice-to-have into a key purchasing decision factor. Using Elvital (Garnier/L’Oréal) and Blend-a-med (P&G) as examples, the E-Commerce Institute Cologne examines how established mass-market brands are responding to pressure from consumers, EU regulation and growing online competition – …
Abstract Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) marks the evolution of content marketing: moving away from traditional link rankings toward integration into AI-generated responses. In an era where systems like ChatGPT, Gemini and Perplexity create independent narratives, visibility is defined by citation frequency, semantic precision and E-E-A-T signals. Those who learn today how to prepare content to …
Abstract: Prof. Dr. Richard C. Geibel and Ulrich Arnold have published a new contribution with the renowned Springer publishing house: “Die innovative Customer Journey im Social Commerce” (The Innovative Customer Journey in Social Commerce). The article develops the concept of the “Customer Moment” – the condensed, impulse-driven purchase decision process that replaces classical multi-stage customer …
Abstract Despite the Iran war, rising energy prices, and growing future anxieties, German online trade showed stable growth of 3.6 percent to around 20.4 billion euros in the first quarter of 2026. This is according to the bevh consumer survey. While groceries, drugstores, and online pharmacies grew particularly strongly, the bevh warns of a VAT …
Abstract Those who use AI coding tools knowledge work today only scratch the surface of the actual automation potential. Agentic AI coding tools like Claude Code work directly with files on your own computer – making them highly relevant for non-developers as well. They enable repeatable workflows, team-wide sharing of best practices, and true automation …
Abstract Prof. Dr. Richard C. Geibel, Director of the E-Commerce Institute Cologne, has contributed two groundbreaking chapters to the new Springer anthology “Digital Empowerment in Healthcare.” Published in 2026, this interdisciplinary work explores how digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence can promote a fairer and more sustainable healthcare system. Prof. Dr. Geibel’s contributions focus on the …
Abstract: On 10 and 11 September 2026, the 6th ISPC – International Scientific-Practical Conference – will take place at FHNW in Brugg, Switzerland. Under the theme “Digital and AI Management – Scientific Research and Practical Implementation”, the conference brings together researchers, practitioners and emerging scholars from around the world. Submissions are accepted until 1 June …
ABSTRACT: The Otto Marketplace AI Strategy 2026 The new Otto Marketplace AI Strategy is driving sales to 7.5 billion euros in the 2025/26 financial year. The Hamburg-based online retailer is increasingly focusing on AI-powered shopping experiences and the international expansion of its product range. Despite this growth, the company plans cost reductions and the elimination …
Abtract: Germany is Europe’s returns capital: more than 530 million parcels are sent back every year, and in fashion retail the return rate reaches as high as 50 per cent. The environmental and economic costs are enormous. Yet a new approach rooted in behavioural economics shows that carefully designed psychological prompts – known as Green …
Abstract GEO Optimization is fundamentally redefining digital visibility in 2026. While traditional Search Engine Optimization primarily targets rankings in link lists, the modern information landscape requires an algorithmic presence directly within AI syntheses. The E-Commerce Institute Cologne identifies structured data preparation as a primary prerequisite for this shift. Important Facts Definition: Adaptation of content for …
Abstract Current developments surrounding TikTok Shop Germany 2026 show a massive transformation in retail. One year after the launch of TikTok Shop in Germany, latest data reveals: around 15 percent of all German online shoppers have already used the platform, and the revenue share of those over 46 even exceeds that of Gen Z at …
Abstract: Joybuy Market Entry Germany 2026 – Same-Day Delivery as the New Standard With the launch of Joybuy – the European e-commerce platform of Chinese technology giant JD.com – a new player will enter the German online retail market on March 16, 2026. The highlight: Joybuy promises same-day delivery at no extra cost, positioning itself …
Abstract: Crypto platforms are increasingly becoming key infrastructures in the digital economy. Developments by exchanges such as MEXC illustrate how trading platforms are evolving into integrated ecosystems. For e-commerce, this creates new opportunities in payments, cross-border transactions, and platform-based business models. At the same time, competition between global platforms is intensifying, driven by innovation, scalability, …
Dark patterns have long been part of the toolbox of many online retailers. Countdown timers, artificial scarcity, or gamified discount mechanics are designed to push customers toward faster purchasing decisions. However, recent studies suggest that consumers increasingly recognize these manipulative design strategies. In some cases, such tactics even lead to purchase abandonment. This raises an …
Abstract: Registration for the International Scientific-Practical Conference (ISPC) 2026 is now open. The international conference titled “Digital Management – Scientific Research and Practical Implementation” will take place on September 10–11, 2026 at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) in Brugg, Switzerland. Researchers, practitioners, and master’s and doctoral students are invited to …