On Tuesday 11 and Wednesday 12 February 2025, the Faculty of Electrical Engineering of the University of Ljubljana hosted an inter-regional learning event entitled “AI Skills for SMEs: Future of Work” within the framework of the Interreg Europe embrAIsme project.
The event was a great success, bringing together experts, policy makers and industry leaders to explore how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can harness artificial intelligence (AI) to drive innovation and competitiveness. Participants were impressed by the rich programme, the interactive workshops and the many examples of good practice that were presented.
The event was opened with a welcome address by Assoc.Prof. Dr. Emilija Stojmenova Duh, who highlighted the aspects of the correct and safe use and implementation of AI in SMEs and the importance of international cooperation in this field.
On the first day of the programme, prof. dr. Andrej Kos (LTFE, ICTA) presented the ICT Academy, cyber security and the importance of lifelong learning and microcredentials (NOO ULTRA). Dr. Jure Trilar (ULFE, 4PDIH) showed how different projects such as SmartAgroGrape, CODECS, Smart ERA and SmartCommUnity are addressing the challenges of digitisation and the use of AI in sectors with low digital competences. Viktor Brajak (Medius d.o.o.) presented the Pladenj AI solution for public administration, while Barbara Kranjc (Slovenian Technology Forum) spoke about structural barriers and opportunities for SMEs in adopting AI-enabled business practices. Dr. Alenka Kolar (DARS d.d.) highlighted the role of AI in transport systems, and dr. Gabrijela Zaharijas (University of Nova Gorica) presented the UNG SMASH programme for machine learning in the sciences and humanities. Andrej P. Škraba (Astra AI) demonstrated an excellent AI solution for mathematics tutoring, and Tomaž Cirman (Codebrainer) presented the advanced edtech solution Cobie AI.
Special attention was paid to the Finnish representative Vesa-Matti Ruottinen, who presented advanced AI tools to connect the needs of the market and jobseekers in Tampere. Prof. dr. Pekka Abrahamsson from Finland demonstrated the possibilities of generative AI by creating a real-time ‘troll factory’ and later on creating a synthetic podcast about the embrAIsme project. Martin H. Hörmann demonstrated the practical use of Microsoft AI tools to solve real-world challenges, opening up new perspectives on the role of AI in economics. The first day ended with a consortium dinner at the Castle restaurant.
On the second day, Ivaylo Vangelov presented cybersecurity solutions and training introduced by the Bulgarian Ministry of Innovation and Growth. Vitorino Gouveia (Madeira) highlighted AI initiatives, including marine animal tracking, and drew attention to the challenges of EU legislation and the importance of the ‘Human Firewall’ service for SMEs. Duarte Freitas presented interesting programmes to fund digitisation in SMEs in the Autonomous Region of Madeira. Sergio Mayo (from Aragorn EDIH, Spain) presented a training programme on AI for businesses, from initial deployment to advanced technical topics.
Dr. Jure Trilar led a workshop on Designing Effective AI Policies to Strengthen the Workforce, where participants worked in teams to design actions to improve AI strategies in the eight participating countries.
Dr. Mário Campolargo impressed the participants with his lecture on the implementation of AI competences in SMEs. A workshop on addressing AI risks in the context of EU legislation followed and offered the opportunity for practical work and in-depth discussion.
With its rich content and excellent organisation, the event attracted more than 50 participants who expressed their satisfaction with the programme and the innovations presented.
