Flow Factory

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AI Innovations in Finance

The Flow Factory researches AI-based innovations for the transformation of business processes in finance.

As a joint research lab of the Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe and the European Research Center for Information Systems (ERCIS) at the University of Münster, it combines scientific excellence with practical relevance in the field of processes and artificial intelligence.
At the Flow Factory, we pursue a design-oriented research approach in order to address practical issues. Our prototypes are developed in a human-centered and iterative way - in close collaboration with users. Evaluation is not just a final step, but accompanies the entire development process so that solutions can be continuously adapted and improved.

Voices from practice

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"As the initiator of the Flow Factory, I see it as my task to build bridges - between science and business, theory and practice and between the university campus and the world of banking. Denn wir haben in der Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe viel zu bieten und Potential für Forschung. It is time to show this."
Prof. Dr. Liane Buchholz - President of the Sparkassenverband Westfalen-Lippe
Andreas Schelling Finanz Informatik
"The Flow Factory strengthens the AI expertise of the Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe in the long term. By combining science and practice, I expect AI-supported innovations that will help the Sparkassen to maintain their market leadership in an increasingly competitive environment through efficient digital processes."
Andreas Schelling - Chair of the Management Board of Finanz Informatik
FrankDemmer
"The founding of the Flow Factory is a milestone for the entire Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe. I am proud that we, as LBS NordWest and founding partner, are part of this visionary partnership between science and practice. We are not only creating a space for excellent research, but also a platform for concrete applications of artificial intelligence in financial practice. The close cooperation with the ERCIS guarantees scientific depth, while the strong involvement of students and practitioners ensures real innovative strength. This not only strengthens our digital competitiveness, but also our attractiveness as an employer for the next generation of bright minds."
Frank Demmer - Member of the Management Board of LBS Landesbausparkasse NordWest
doreen_mahnke
"It quickly became clear to me: Flow Factory is a real opportunity. It opens doors - for employees, for students and for new perspectives on research and practice. It is precisely this dialog between the world of banking and the university that enriches us."
Doreen Mahnke - Head of AI Strategy at the Sparkassenverband Westfalen-Lippe
tabitha-kleine
"It is crucial for us to actively shape innovations - strategically, user-oriented and with a view to the future. The Flow Factory offers an important platform for this: this is where science, agile methods and the practical needs of the Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe come together. The iterative exchange and early evaluation enable us to effectively integrate technological developments such as artificial intelligence into digital processes - and at the same time to think of new ways for a sustainable financial industry."
Tabitha Kleine - Head of loans, real estate, and AI at Finanz Informatik
Dr. Joachim Schmalzl, Vorstand des DSGV; Berlin
"As a member of the Governance Board, the DSGV is also a sponsor of the Flow Factory. Among other things, we expect to further strengthen our innovative power within the Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe, promote the transfer of knowledge between science and business and also receive impetus for future-oriented AI-based solutions."
Dr. Joachim Schmalzl - Managing Director of the German Sparkassen- and Giroverband
WolfgangBreuer
With the Flow Factory, we are jointly creating a platform that will decisively advance the use of AI in the financial sector. As a catalyst for innovation in the financial sector, science and practice come together here to create solutions for the challenges of tomorrow. This partnership is of great importance to us as Provinzial, as we see AI as a game changer and also want to further promote the recruitment and retention of talented junior staff. We are delighted to be part of this pioneering project and to be helping to shape the future of the industry in the long term."
Dr. Wolfgang Breuer - Chair of the Management Board of Provinzial Versicherungs AG
PeterNettesheim
"As S Rating und Risikosysteme GmbH, we see the Flow Factory as a unique opportunity to actively shape the transfer of research into practice. Artificial intelligence is a key driver for the further development of our control and risk systems - but its potential can only be realized through interdisciplinary collaboration and practical research. The Flow Factory offers precisely this space: it combines scientific depth with operational relevance. For us as part of the Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe, this close partnership is a strategic investment in the future viability of our entire ecosystem."
Dr. Peter Nettesheim - Chair of the Management Board of Sparkassen Rating und Risikosysteme GmbH
Julia Koch
"In order to find and utilize the best AI use cases for the Sparkassen and partners of the Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe, we need to understand the topic from the ground up. The Flow Factory provides valuable groundwork here, which also sustainably strengthens the digital sovereignty of Germany and Europe as a business location."
Julia Koch - Managing Director of Finanz Informatik

Voices from research

jan-vom-brocke
"At the Flow Factory, we work in a design-oriented way: students, scientists and practitioners design solutions for the future. Together, we will explore the enormous potential for innovation as well as the responsible use of AI."
Prof. Dr. Jan vom Brocke - Full professor at the University of Münster and director of the Department for Information Systems
MichaelRaeckers
"The Flow Factory breaks up structures and drives things forward. It is an engine for new thinking and innovative approaches. No “that's how it's always been” but a platform and space for people who want to digitize processes for the future in a creative and motivated way."
Dr. Michael Räckers - Managing director of the Department for Information Systems at the University of Münster
MarleenVoss
"The Flow Factory is our lab for the future - this is where we rethink processes. Curiosity, technology and practice come together to develop concrete solutions for the challenges of tomorrow. It is a place for experimentation, collaboration and sustainable impact."
Dr. Marleen Voß - Assisstent professor at the University of Münster
ThomasHaskamp
"Thanks to the sponsors, we have the unique opportunity to build a platform for students, partner companies and scientists and to conduct joint research on the relevant topics of our time."
Dr. Thomas Haskamp - Assistent professor at the University of Münster
brandt
"The Flow Factory shows that even major financial players are willing to invest in research in a targeted manner and seek to work closely with the scientific community - on an equal footing and with a genuine interest in joint solutions. This is not only a strong signal for knowledge transfer, but also for education."
Prof. Dr. Tobias Brandt - Full professor at the University of Münster
gieseke
"The Flow Factory not only promises a high practical benefit for the sponsors, but will also enrich research and teaching with valuable impulses. In particular, I expect the joint activities to provide new insights into the targeted adaptation of current approaches to complex practical issues. The close integration of research and application will provide a fruitful environment for iteratively testing and further developing innovative concepts."
Prof. Dr. Fabian Gieseke - Full professor at the University of Münster
becker
"The future of financial service providers has already begun, and it is progressing inexorably. The aim of the Flow Factory is to play an active role in shaping it. Practitioners, academics and students work together to introduce new methods and techniques for the effective implementation of financial services and for the benefit of people in financial companies. Methodological knowledge, technical knowledge and financial services knowledge come together in a unique symbiosis so as not to be overwhelmed by the future, but to shape it in a structured way to increase prosperity."
Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Jörg Becker - Senior professor at the University of Münster

Job Alert: Curious about joining the Flow?

Are you enthusiastic about AI and digitalization? Are you interested in cutting-edge research and real impact in practice? Then apply to the Flow Factory and become part of our team! We are an interdisciplinary team of business informatics specialists, business economists, computer scientists, psychologists and mechanical engineers who work together to research the role of artificial intelligence in processes, products and human collaboration. From process mining to human-AI interaction, we conduct research together with our practice partners from the world of finance and beyond. We work together with renowned international institutions such as MIT, the University of St. Gallen and the Queensland University of Technology. What you can expect from us:
  • Cutting-edge research, close to practice, far from the ivory tower - where it makes the difference
  • Collaboration with leading minds from science & industry
  • State-of-the-art infrastructure, flexible working models & room for your career flow
The current application phase for PhD and Assistant Professor positions runs until June 30. You can find more information in the job descriptions:
To the PhD application
To the Assistant Professor application

Flow Forum: Meet the CEO

07.07.2025 | 18:00 | Königsstraße 47, 48143 Münster, University of Münster Professional School

How do you actually become a board member? And what does day-to-day management look like? At our first Flow Forum, together with LBS, we invite you to an interactive exchange with Frank Demmer. In a relaxed atmosphere, the future CEO of LBS will provide insights into his career - from the beginnings to the top. Afterwards, we invite you to enjoy drinks and a relaxed atmosphere for personal exchange and networking. 
Go to registration
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