How Cognitive Processes Make Us Smarter

Abstract

Cognitive computing describes the learning effects that computer systems can achieve through training and via interaction with human beings. Developing capabilities like this requires large datasets, user interfaces with cognitive functions, as well as interfaces to other systems so that information can be exchanged and meaningfully linked. Recently, cognitive computing has been applied within business process management (BPM), raising the question about how cognitive computing may change BPM, and even leverage some new cognitive resources. We believe that the answer to this question is linked to the promised learning effects for which we need to explore how cognitive processes enable learning effects in BPM. To this end, we collect and analyze publications on cognitive BPM from research and practice. Based on this information, we describe the principle of cognitive process automation and discuss its practical implications with a focus on technical synergies. The results are used to build a visual research map for cognitive BPM.