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Research Article

AI-based competitor dossiers as a strategic competitive advantage in the insurance industry

Dietmar Pfaff, Sascha Pohl, Patrick Hedfeld

International Journal of Psychology and Strategic Communication, Vol. 2, No. 2, 2026

https://doi.org/10.61030/TPIX9191

review
double-blind
access
open
license
CC-BY-4.0
year
2026
doi
registered

Article PDF

Abstract

Rising energy costs, volatile electricity markets, and geopolitical uncertainties are reshaping the economic conditions of the manufacturing industry. Energy is therefore no longer perceived merely as an operational input, but increasingly as a strategic factor affecting competitiveness, resilience, and location quality. This article examines how energy self- sufficiency through solar energy is perceived and implemented in the manufacturing sector and identifies differences between Germany and China. The study is based on a qualitative, exploratory research design comprising six written expert surveys and a supplementary PESTEL analysis. The findings indicate that, in industrial practice, energy self- sufficiency is rarely understood as complete independence from the public grid; rather, it is perceived as a gradual and measurable reduction in external electricity demand. Photovoltaics seldom unfolds its strategic potential in isolation, but primarily as part of an integrated system consisting of storage, energy management, and load control. The main drivers include cost reduction, cost stability, security of supply, and resilience, while major barriers arise from grid connection procedures, approval processes, regulatory complexity, and investment constraints. The article thus demonstrates that PV-based self-sufficiency is far more than a sustainability technology for industrial firms; it is increasingly becoming an instrument of industrial risk and competitiveness management.

Keywords: Photovoltaics, energy self-sufficiency, manufacturing industry, self-sufficiency, energy management, Germany, China, qualitative research

Double-blind peer reviewOpen AccessCC BY 4.0Published 2026DOI registered
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Title

AI-based competitor dossiers as a strategic competitive advantage in the insurance industry

Authors and Affiliations

Author

Melvin Meister

Sales management/support in the insurance industry and founder of MeisterMindAI

melvin.meister@gmx.de

Author

Dr. Patrick Hedfeld

Goethe University Frankfurt

patrick.hedfeld@gmx.de

Author

Prof. Dietmar Pfaff

Graduate School IIC, University of Technology, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

dp@dietmar-pfaff.de


Journal / Publisher Details

International Journal of Psychology and Strategic Communication
Volume 02
Issue 02
Year 2026
Article 69

Abstract

Artificial intelligence is changing the way insurance companies monitor their competitors and make strategic decisions. Dynamic competitor dossiers, data-driven market analyses that continuously update themselves, are developing into a central control instrument of modern corporate management.

A recent Delphi study with executives and experts from strategy, controlling, IT and sales shows that AI-based competitor dossiers significantly increase the quality of decisions, shorten response times and strengthen insurers’ ability to innovate. The decisive factor is not so much the technology itself as its embedding in clear governance structures and transparent decision-making processes. Where data protection, traceability and acceptance are guaranteed, AI unfolds its strategic potential.

But the introduction is not a foregone conclusion. The path to data-driven market intelligence requires cultural change, interdisciplinary collaboration and continuous learning. Insurers who shape this change not only secure an information advantage, but also a sustainable competitive advantage.

With the advent of generative AI agents, the next evolutionary stage is already on the horizon: adaptive systems that automatically recognize strategic early warning signals and provide recommendations for action in real time. This marks the beginning of a new phase of data-based management and a paradigm shift in competitive analysis in the insurance industry.

Keywords: Artificial intelligence, competitor dossier, insurance industry, market intelligence, competitive advantage, machine learning, NLP, strategic management.

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IJPSC Citation Tools

Cite this article

10.61030/TPIX9191

1 Dietmar Pfaff, 2 Sascha Pohl, & 3 Patrick Hedfeld (2026). AI-based competitor dossiers as a strategic competitive advantage in the insurance industry. International Journal of Psychology and Strategic Communication, 2(2). https://doi.org/10.61030/TPIX9191

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