Pioneering AI Research at SBS Swiss Business School: Prof. Dr. Michael Gerlich

At SBS Swiss Business School, we are proud to highlight the cutting-edge research of our faculty. Prof. Dr. Michael Gerlich, a globally recognized researcher on the societal impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and a sought-after keynote speaker, was recently named one of the Top 10 Leading Speakers to Follow in 2025 by MSN. 

Generative AI and Critical Thinking: Key Findings 

In October 2025, Prof. Dr. Gerlich published his latest study in the open-access journal DATA: From Offloading to Engagement: An Experimental Study on Structured Prompting and Critical Reasoning with Generative AI. The research explores how generative AI affects cognitive offloading, critical thinking, and structured prompting in higher education and professional environments. 

While generative AI offers speed and convenience, it also carries a subtle risk: people may rely on it too heavily, reducing their own critical reasoning skills. The study tested participants under three conditions, from human-only reasoning to unguided AI use. The results revealed a clear pattern: 

• Unguided AI use often leads participants to hand over too much thinking to the system, weakening their reasoning and diminishing critical thinking.
• Structured prompting, a method for guided AI interaction, helps participants remain cognitively engaged, producing stronger, more reflective answers, with improvements of up to 60%. 

These findings were consistent across different demographic groups, offering professors, researchers, and organizations practical strategies to use AI responsibly while enhancing decision-making quality. 

Implications for AI in Higher Education and the Workplace 

Prof. Dr. Gerlich’s research highlights the importance of responsible AI integration in higher education and professional settings. Properly guided AI use, combined with structured prompting, enables professors to improve academic outcomes, support better decision-making, and maintain students’ critical thinking skill - essential for both teaching and professional performance. 

About Prof. Dr. Michael Gerlich 

Prof. Dr. Gerlich is a thought leader in AI research, focusing on the societal and educational impacts of emerging technologies. His recognition by MSN as a Top 10 Leading Speaker to Follow in 2025 underscores his global influence in shaping the responsible use of AI. 

At SBS Swiss Business School, our faculty are not just professors - they are innovators in AI research, advancing responsible technology adoption and fostering critical thinking in higher education worldwide. 

By SBS Swiss Business School Team