Increasing the Uptake of AI in Retail (INAIR)

The INAIR (Increasing the Uptake of AI in Retail) project aims to reduce the AI ​​skills gap among micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the retail sector in Europe. Faced with the low adoption of digital technologies like AI in the European Union, while the global AI market in retail is growing at a rate of 35% annually, the project aims to equip retailers with the necessary skills. A key goal is to increase the competitiveness of European companies and support the adoption of AI by 75% of enterprises by 2030, in line with the goals of the European Digital Decade.

INAIR's activities include analyzing SME needs, identifying key competencies, and developing a core AI curriculum focused on AI applications for greening operations and optimizing business processes. It will also create an AI skills assessment tool and a set of open educational resources, such as modules, simulations, and games, that will be integrated into learning systems. Project participants will gain access to an e-learning platform offering personalized learning paths, as well as a practical guide for facilitators to facilitate the implementation of AI in vocational training.

The project brings together a wide range of participants – SME owners and employees, technology experts and academics, industry organizations, and policymakers at both the national and EU levels. INAIR is implemented in countries such as Poland, Germany, Italy, Romania, and Cyprus, and its activities are co-financed by the Horizon Europe program.