GENESIS - Generative AI Agents for Software Engineering: Skills, Integration and Peace of Mind

The GENESIS project explores the potential of generative AI (GenAI) to transform the field of software engineering, with a particular focus on the automation of code and documentation generation. In collaboration with industry leaders such as Ericsson and Axis Communications, the project aims to increase productivity, reduce development costs and improve software quality - all to ensure that Sweden's software-intensive industries remain globally competitive.

Sweden, a leader in digital innovation, faces challenges as AI develops rapidly in countries like the US, China and Canada. GENESIS addresses this by developing AI solutions tailored to the needs of Swedish companies, with the aim of integrating GenAI tools into their workflows. The project focuses on four key challenges: necessary skills development, workflow adaptations, barriers to adoption, and cost-benefit analysis of GenAI integration.

At the core of GENESIS is the use of GenAI agents in coding and documentation workflows - areas that are very resource intensive in the software development lifecycle. These agents automate tasks such as code generation, refactoring and documentation, freeing up time for developers to focus on creative problem solving.

The project will conduct studies to evaluate the impact of GenAIs on developer workflows, software quality and project efficiency. The goal is to identify what skills are required to succeed with GenAI, what changes in workflows are needed for integration, and to develop metrics to quantify costs, quality and benefits.

Ericsson and Axis, both exploring GenAI tools such as GitHub Copilot, face particular challenges in maximizing AI benefits and overcoming barriers to adoption. GENESIS will provide tailored solutions for each company, identifying high-impact use cases for GenAI and analyzing workflow changes to optimize AI integration.

In addition to the industrial impact, GENESIS will strengthen the research and education environment at the Software Engineering Research Laboratory (SERL) at Blekinge Institute of Technology (BTH). The project will deepen SERL's collaboration with industry, create new research opportunities and attract additional funding. GENESIS will also contribute to BTH's educational program by developing new course material and case studies on GenAI-assisted software development, giving students and researchers the opportunity to acquire cutting-edge expertise and practical skills.

Scientifically, GENESIS aims to produce high-impact publications, contribute to Swedish knowledge development on AI in software engineering, and establish best practices for AI implementation. GENESIS is a key initiative to ensure that Sweden remains competitive in global AI development. It addresses key challenges in

AI adoption, strengthens collaboration between academia and industry, and builds AI competence within Sweden's software engineering sector - thereby driving innovation and growth in the digital economy.