Type of project: Erasmus+ Small Scale partnerships
Sector: Vocational Education and Training
Starting month: February 2024
Project title: AI BIZ - Exploiting Artificial Intelligence Technologies for SMEs
Project objectives:
The main project objective is to support SMEs implementing Artificial Intelligence tools in their daily
practices, thus enhancing their efficiency and performances.
To do this, the project wants to achieve the following concrete objectives:
- To improve awareness of SMEs on the benefits of integrating AI tools in their daily practices
- To improve knowledge, skills and competencies of SMEs’ managers and workers on how to implement and
leverage AI technologies in their daily practices
Rationale:
Artificial Intelligence is becoming increasingly prevalent across diverse spheres of the business and social life,
given its ability to enhance the automation and prediction capacity of firms and organisations or to bring
natural language processing and image recognition to a new level. Applications are pervasive, embedded in
software, devices or platforms, foreshadowing far-reaching consequences on the functioning and
performance of firms, industries and places.
The EU Commission considers AI as a strategic asset for the development of the EU economy. It is so
important that the Digital Decade Policy Programme 2030 (EP and EC 2022) sets as a target that at least 75%
of business should use AI by 2030.
In this context all firms are not placed on an equal footing in embracing the AI revolution (OECD, 2017), and
in orchestrating the changes in mindsets, practices or processes that are yet required.
SMEs face barriers in adopting AI such as lack of awareness and readiness (OECD, The digital transformation
of SMEs, 2021).
Project Results
R1. The AI BIZ Toolkit will consist of supporting materials and case studies for SMEs’ managers and
workers, aiming at supporting the implementation of AI tools in their companies.
R2. The AI BIZ Workshops will be online training activities aiming at supporting non expert SMEs’
workers and managers in improving their knowledge, skills and competences on how to implement
AI tools to improve efficiency, company management and business models.
R3. The AI BIZ Launch Conference will be a face-to-face conference organised in each partner
country to promote the project results and raise awareness about the opportunities provided by AI
tools for SMEs. It will create Ambassadors who will act as multipliers in their companies.
Main project activities
ACTIVITY1 – Production of the AI BIZ Toolkit / Leading partner: Mindleap s.l.
TASK1. Kick-off meeting in Spain (Valencia) in February 2024: 2 participants involved per partner organisation
TASK2. Focus Group: 5 workers/managers involved in each country in order to highlight a common
framework for the toolkit
TASK3-4. AI BIZ Toolkit production: each partner will produce part of the contents based on its competences
TASK5-6. Pilot testing Implementation: The Toolkit will be tested during the online workshops organised in
each partner country with least 10 participants
ACTIVITY2 –AI BIZ Workshop delivery/ Leading partner: ECECE
TASK1. Second TPM (online): 2 participants involved per partner organisation
TASK 2. Production of the Programme: each partner will contribute based on its competences
TASK3. Selections of the participants: each partner will select at least 10 participants in total to attend the
workshops
TASK4. Workshops delivery: each partner will organise 3 workshop sessions in each country online.
ACTIVITY3 - AI BIZ Launch Conference delivery / Leading partner: XU Exponential University of Applied
Sciences
TASK1. Third TPM (online): 2 participants involved per partner organisation
TASK2. Production of the Conference Programme: each partner will contribute based on its competences
TASK3. Stakeholder analysis and engagement strategy: each partner will contribute based on its competences
TASK4. Launch Conference delivery: each partner will organise 1 face-to-face conference in each partner
country for promoting the project results with at least 20 participants.
Project partners
- Mindleap s.l. – Spain - COORDINATOR
- XU Exponential University of Applied Sciences – Germany – PARTNER
- ECECE- Belgium - PARTNER
Target Groups
Entrepreneurs and managers working in SMEs, in particular, those that have started the digital transition
process and want to take advantage of the latest development of digital technologies.
AI for SMEs
We help SMEs take advantage of AI to increase efficiecy and performance.
The project
AI BIZ is an Erasmus+ small scale partnerships in vocational education and training sector aiming at supporting SMEs to access and use AI tool in their daily activities.
The project wants to:
raise awareness of SMEs on the benefits of integrating AI tools in their daily practices.
improve competencies of managers and workers on how to leverage AI
technologies
News
Partners
MindLeap is an organisation based in Valencia, founded by a community of experts working for years on supporting companies and educational institutions to take advantage of ICT tools for educational purposes. The community seeks for innovative Digital Education solutions in order to make education accessible and inclusive. MindLeap supports the implementation of innovative educational methodologies aimed at facilitating access to education and training, enhancing the quality of the training offer and ensuring an impact on the learning process. Its members have extensive experience in creating and managing learning outcome-oriented educational paths and materials addressed to European organisations, companies and schools. MindLeap is supporting VET organisations in improving their educational systems by integrating ICTs.
The XU Exponential University is a state-recognized university in private ownership that educates students in digital marketing, digital entrepreneurship, data science, and other science-based, application-oriented and interdisciplinary study programs in accordance with its mission statement.
The mission of XU Exponential University as a liberal academic institution is:
Building entrepreneurial socially responsible individuals;
Contributing for the advancement of the university education through accessible interdisciplinary education and specialized training and research up to the international standards;
To put its academic potential in the service of society and to respond with its projects to the social and economic changes.
The XU Exponential University of Applied Sciences is renowned for its commitment to practical, competence-based learning, which stands in contrast to traditional frontal teaching and theoretical education methods. At XU, our approach goes beyond the ordinary; we actively engage with our students, fostering a dynamic learning environment that empowers them with specialized knowledge and practical skills.
CEBelgium is a non-profit association based in Brussels, dedicated to implementing innovative education and training methodologies and curricula. CEB is committed to breaking down educational barriers that hinder access and participation in EU.
CEBelgium harnesses the EU Entrecomp framework, tailoring it to the fast-paced environment. Our team, comprising trainers, professionals, and entrepreneurs, fosters an entrepreneurial mindset through customized training and courses for adults and VET with a specific focus on disadvantaged people.
CEBelgium offers the possibility to EU project's partnership to host courses and tailored trainings on its Moodle platform. Advantages of Moodle include flexibility, scalability, and accessibility. We harness the transformative potential of digitalization in education and society, recognizing digital skills as crucial.
Since 2024, we have among our staff AI programmers to integrate AI into our tools and methodologies, ensuring we stay at the forefront of educational innovation (Implemetation of educational Chatbots, predictive AI models).
Results
AI BIZ Toolkit
The Toolkit provides workers, managers and SMEs with contents, materials and tools
supporting practices for the implementation of AI technologies. It includes clear information designed for SMEs’, using a simple and understandable language.
The online workshops, guided by experts in AI and digital transition, aim to transfer knowledge, skills and competencies to workers and managers in order to implement AI technologies in SMEs.
The conference supports awareness raising and engagement of workers,
managers and SMEs about AI’s potential. The Conference helps participants compare different approaches to AI’s
implementation and share experiences. It contributes to making their practices more resilient and inclusive and reflect on different ways of integrating the AI BIZ Toolkit into their daily practice.
L'IA pour les PME
Nous aidons les PME à tirer parti de l'IA pour augmenter efficacité et performances.
Le projet
AI BIZ est un partenariat Erasmus+ à petite échelle dans l'enseignement et la formation professionnels visant à aider les PME à accéder et à utiliser les outils d'IA dans leurs activités quotidiennes .
Le projet veut :
sensibiliser les PME aux bénéfices de l’ intégration des outils d’IA dans leurs pratiques quotidiennes.
améliorer compétences des managers et des travailleurs sur la façon de tirer parti des technologies d’IA
Actualités
Les partenaires
MindLeap est une organisation basée à Valence, fondée par une communauté d'experts travaillant depuis des années pour aider les entreprises et les institutions éducatives à tirer parti des outils TIC à des fins éducatives. La communauté recherche des solutions innovantes d'éducation Digitale afin de rendre l'éducation accessible et inclusive. MindLeap soutient la mise en œuvre de méthodologies éducatives innovantes visant à faciliter l'accès à l'éducation et à la formation, à améliorer la qualité de l'offre de formation et à garantir un impact sur le processus d'apprentissage. Ses membres possèdent une vaste expérience dans la création et la gestion de parcours et de matériels éducatifs orientés vers les résultats d'apprentissage, destinés aux organisations européennes, aux entreprises et aux écoles. MindLeap soutient les organisations de FPI (Formation Professionnelle Initiale) dans l'amélioration de leurs systèmes éducatifs en intégrant les TIC.
XU Exponential University est une université reconnue par l'État et en propriété privée qui forme des étudiants en digital marketing, entrepreneuriat digitale, science des données et d'autres programmes d'études interdisciplinaires basés sur les sciences et orientés vers l'application pratique, conformément à sa déclaration de mission.
La mission de l'Université XU Exponential en tant qu'institution académique libérale est de :
Former des individus socialement responsables et entreprenants ;
Contribuer à l'avancement de l'enseignement universitaire par une éducation interdisciplinaire accessible, ainsi qu'une formation et une recherche spécialisées conformes aux normes internationales ;
Mettre son potentiel académique au service de la société et répondre aux changements sociaux et économiques par ses projets.
L'Université XU Exponential des Sciences Appliquées est réputée pour son engagement envers un apprentissage pratique et basé sur les compétences, qui contraste avec l'enseignement frontal traditionnel et les méthodes d'éducation théoriques. À XU, notre approche va au-delà de l'ordinaire ; nous engageons activement nos étudiants, en favorisant un environnement d'apprentissage dynamique qui les dote de connaissances spécialisées et de compétences pratiques.
CEBelgium est une association à but non lucratif basée à Bruxelles, dédiée à la mise en œuvre de méthodologies et de programmes éducatifs et de formation innovants. CEB est déterminé à éliminer les barrières éducatives qui entravent l'accès et la participation dans l'UE.
CEBelgium utilise le cadre Entrecomp de l'UE, l'adaptant à un environnement dynamique. Notre équipe, composée de formateurs, de professionnels et d'entrepreneurs, favorise un esprit entrepreneurial à travers des formations et des cours personnalisés pour les adultes et l'EFP, en mettant l'accent sur les personnes défavorisées.
CEBelgium offre la possibilité aux partenaires des projets de l'UE d'héberger des cours et des formations personnalisées sur sa plateforme Moodle. Les avantages de Moodle incluent la flexibilité, l'évolutivité et l'accessibilité. Nous exploitons le potentiel transformateur de la numérisation dans l'éducation et la société, en reconnaissant les compétences numériques comme cruciales.
Depuis 2024, nous avons parmi notre personnel des programmeurs d'IA pour intégrer l'IA dans nos outils et méthodologies, garantissant ainsi que nous restons à la pointe de l'innovation éducative (mise en œuvre de chatbots éducatifs, modèles prédictifs d'IA).
Résultats
Toolkit IA BIZ
Le toolkit fournit aux travailleurs, aux gestionnaires et aux PME des contenus, des matériaux et des outils pour soutenir les pratiques d'implémentation des technologies d'IA. Il comprend des informations claires conçues pour les PME, utilisant un langage simple et compréhensible.
Les ateliers en ligne (workshops), guidés par des experts en IA et en transition digitale, visent à transférer des connaissances, des compétences et des aptitudes aux travailleurs et aux gestionnaires afin d'implémenter les technologies d'IA dans les PME.
La “Conférence” soutient la sensibilisation et l'engagement des travailleurs, des gestionnaires et des PME sur le potentiel de l'IA. La conférence aide les participants à comparer différentes approches de l'implémentation de l'IA et à partager des expériences. Elle contribue à rendre leurs pratiques plus résilientes et inclusives et à réfléchir à différentes manières d'intégrer l'AI BIZ Toolkit dans leur pratique quotidienne.