AIT4Local SMEs – “Advanced AI Training Cycle for Professionals and Local Businesses"
About this good practice
Medium-sized San Sebastián city sees 1/3 of its employment coming from knowledge-intensive industries, yet 98.6% of companies are SMEs, with 70% employing less than 2 people. This size limits their ability to adopt rapid tech advancements, particularly AI (due to the lack of AI knowledge).
Therefore, AIT4Local SMEs was developed by Fomento San Sebastián (FSS) to unlock AI benefits and support local businesses in integrating AI for future services that the public sector (municipally) could potentially use.
FSS, local innovation agency in charge of economic development, uses this AI training program and other cutting-edge trainings to boost local companies and offer them a personalized, inspiring, and comprehensive support.
Created in collaboration with a local partner specialized in tech consulting & AI, AIT4Local SMEs provides participants with comprehensive understanding of AI, enabling them to integrate it into their operations and foster innovation within the local economy.
Open to all local companies, the program features 3 in-person sessions (120-190min) and allows to participate in as many sessions as they wish:
S1 AI Basics: AI from a general perspective
S2 Applications: Predictive models, Machine learning, artificial vision etc.
S3 Implementation Strategies: Integrating AI in the entire value chain
In addition to the S1 overview, the methodology emphasizes a practical and in-depth approach to learning through real-world examples and in an interactive and agile format.
Resources needed
Appropriate setting for training: EKINN innovation hub
Committed local stakeholders who are eager to share their AI knowledge and expertise.
Human resources: Expert internal staff to manage the program and local/regional external experts in AI to provide training to participant companies.
Evidence of success
High Interest:
The program saw strong interest, with 58 unique businesses and professionals taking part on it (from audiovisuals, nanoscience, consultancy or neuroscience).
High Engagement:
It is worth mentioning that participants had the flexibility to register for any individual session, and notably, 32 attended all three sessions.
Positive Feedback:
An evaluation was carried out in June 2024, and participants´ feedback was positive with 87.5% expressing interest in similar future activities.
Potential for learning or transfer
This program could be adopted by any public body dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurial growth, particularly those with a robust network among their ecosystem's start-ups.
The role of the managing entity is crucial to:
1)Identify the valuable knowledge that local companies lack but could greatly benefit from
2)Involve entities with knowledge and expertise on AI that could share that knowledge effectively
By addressing these gaps, the program helps businesses enhance their competitiveness, leverage new disruptive techs, and drive continued growth in their respective regions.
For its implementation, it's essential to adapt the content and approach to local needs. Public bodies should collaborate with local experts and stakeholders to tailor the training to specific local/regional challenges and opportunities. This localized approach ensures that the program is relevant and impactful, ultimately supporting sustainable innovation and economic development in diverse areas.