Empowering MSMEs with AI: Insights from the INAiR Project

Press Release

Brussels, 16 September 2024 – The INAiR project consortium, an international initiative funded by the EU's Horizon Europe Framework Programme, aimed at increasing AI uptake in the retail sector, has unveiled its key findings after months of intensive research. Targeting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across five European countries, the project has uncovered substantial gaps in AI adoption, digital competencies, and strategic knowledge. It also emphasises the critical need for AI skills and developing a "digital mindset" within the retail industry. The research, conducted by the DELab at the University of Warsaw, is detailed in the report AI Skills Needs and Gaps for MSMEs in the Retail Sector in Cyprus, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Romania, available at the following link: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.12793437. 

The research involved co-creation workshops with retail and AI experts, as well as managers and staff from MSMEs across the five countries in the INAiR consortium, including Cyprus, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Romania. This was complemented by a comprehensive literature review and the analysis of nearly 45,000 job advertisements relevant to AI in retail. Additionally, the study explored AI applications in small and medium-sized retail businesses and examined statistical data on AI implementation within MSMEs in the countries studied.

Building on the research findings, the consortium is currently developing an AI Core Curriculum. Tailored specifically to retail MSMEs, this curriculum aims to provide both technical and transversal skills necessary for navigating the digital transformation process.

The INAiR project has also actively engaged in raising awareness and fostering dialogue about the transformative potential of AI in retail. This includes participation in prominent public events such as the Warsaw Science Festival, as well as ongoing discussions with EU policymakers.

The INAIR Project Consortium

The INAiR project brings together the expertise of six partner organisations:

• The Italian Innovative SME Lascò, project coordinator;
• The Digital Economy Lab of the University of Warsaw;
• The Romanian non-profit organisation Asociatia TEAM 4 Excellence;
• The Italian Chamber of Commerce for Germany (ITKAM);
• The Italian Design Studio BSD;
• The Software Engineering Lab of the University of Cyprus.

About Horizon Europe

Horizon Europe is the EU's key funding programme for research and innovation, designed to drive scientific excellence, address climate change, contribute to achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, and boost the EU’s competitiveness and growth. It fosters collaboration, enhances the impact of research and innovation on EU policies, and addresses global challenges. The programme promotes the dissemination of cutting-edge knowledge and technologies, creates jobs, and stimulates economic growth and industrial competitiveness, ensuring a more robust European Research Area.

More Information

For more information about the INAiR project and its contributions to the digital and green transformation of the retail sector, visit https://www.ai4retail.eu/en/contact.