New Springer Publication: Prof. Dr. Geibel Contributes Two Chapters on AI and Digital Transformation in Healthcare

Abstract: Prof. Dr. Richard C. Geibel, Director of the E-Commerce Institute Cologne, has contributed two chapters to the newly published Springer volume “Digitales Empowerment im Gesundheitswesen” (Digital Empowerment in Healthcare). Released in 2026, the 333-page edited collection with 25 contributions examines interdisciplinary how digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence can promote more equitable, participatory and future-ready healthcare. Prof. Dr. Geibel’s chapters address the digital future of healthcare and the role of cloud and technology services as enablers of digitalisation.

Important Facts about the Book

• Title: “Digitales Empowerment im Gesundheitswesen” – published by Springer Berlin Heidelberg, 2026.
• 25 chapters, XIII + 333 pages – interdisciplinary contributions from research and practice.
• Dr. Richard C. Geibel is co-author of two chapters in the healthcare administration section.
• Edited by Prof. Dr. Hanna Schwendemann, Prof. Dr. Stephanie Rupp, Prof. Dr. Michael Thiede and Prof. Dr. Cordula Kreuzenbeck (all IU Internationale Hochschule).
• Key topics: cloud services and AI in administration, digital therapy adherence, hybrid teaching formats, e-mental health, ethics.
• Already over 1,200 accesses on the Springer platform.
• Available as eBook (ISBN 978-3-662-72469-9) and softcover (ISBN 978-3-662-72468-2).
• Directly accessible on Springer Nature Link: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-662-72469-9

Prof. Dr. Geibel’s Contributions at a Glance

Chapter	Authors	Pages
The Digital Future of Healthcare	Ulrich Arnold, Richard C. Geibel	9–21
Cloud and Technology Services as Enablers of Digitalisation in Healthcare	Ulrich Arnold, Markus vom Scheidt, Vanessa Hering, Alina Holle, Richard C. Geibel	23–35

Table: Springer Nature 2026, own analysis E-Commerce Institute Cologne

What Do the Contributions Cover?

In the first chapter, “The Digital Future of Healthcare“ (co-authored with Ulrich Arnold), the authors paint a comprehensive picture of how digital infrastructures, Artificial Intelligence and platform-based approaches will fundamentally reshape the healthcare system in the years ahead. Both the opportunities and the structural challenges – from interoperability to data protection – are examined in a practice-oriented way.

The second chapter, “Cloud and Technology Services as Enablers of Digitalisation in Healthcare“ (co-authored with Ulrich Arnold, Markus vom Scheidt, Vanessa Hering and Alina Holle), analyses concretely how cloud technologies act as drivers and enablers of digital transformation in hospitals, administrative units and care structures. The contribution combines technical foundations with strategic recommendations for decision-makers in the healthcare sector.

Book Details

Detail	Information
Title	Digitales Empowerment im Gesundheitswesen
Publisher	Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Year	2026
eBook ISBN	978-3-662-72469-9
Print ISBN	978-3-662-72468-2
Scope	XIII, 333 pages, 25 chapters
Editors	Schwendemann, Rupp, Thiede, Kreuzenbeck (all IU Internationale Hochschule)

Table: Springer Nature 2026, own analysis E-Commerce Institute Cologne

Expert Quote

The digital transformation of healthcare is one of the most complex and at the same time most urgent challenges of our time. Technology alone changes nothing – what matters is how it is used, by whom, for whom, and with what ethical aspiration. That is precisely what this edited volume sets out to answer.

— Prof. Dr. Richard C. Geibel, Director, E-Commerce Institute Cologne & IU International University

Academic Context

The involvement of Prof. Dr. Richard C. Geibel in this edited volume underscores a key focus of the E-Commerce Institute Cologne’s research agenda: transferring expertise in digital business models and technology to socially relevant sectors. Healthcare stands as an exemplary case of a sector with enormous digitalisation potential, yet confronted with particularly sensitive requirements around data protection, ethics and care quality.

The contribution on cloud services and digital infrastructure connects directly to the Institute’s core competencies in platform economics, digital business models and technological agility. The interdisciplinary approach of the edited collection – spanning administrative digitalisation, patient care and teaching and learning formats – reflects the conviction that digital transformation must never be thought of in silos.

Access the Book

The book is available from Springer Nature – as an eBook and softcover. The direct link to the Springer page: link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-662-72469-9.