Der Einfluss von KI auf die Rolle von Vertriebspersonen im B2B

The technical sales sector in business-to-business (B2B) has traditionally been considered difficult to automate due to complex and customized products with long life cycles, a high need for consulting and intensive customer relationships. However, the increasing capabilities of digital technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, raise the question of what role humans will play in a business environment increasingly characterized by artificial intelligence.

Based on a qualitative study with 13 interviews, we examined the influence of artificial intelligence on the role of humans in technical B2B sales. The results indicate that the role change consists of an operational component (change in tasks and responsibilities), a cognitive component (change in skills) and a psychological component (change in self-perception). Although the role of the salesperson is changing due to the use of artificial intelligence, it remains a central role in technical B2B sales, as human skills and characteristics will continue to be the key differentiators in the future.