SMERALD in Palermo: The CPD
In December 2024, Palermo became the meeting point for the SMERALD Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course, which brought together 27 participants from 7 different companies and project partners. The event was designed to enhance digital competences in AI, data analytics and open data, and to foster collaboration and innovation across different sectors.
What happened in Palermo?
The training course was carefully structured to ensure a balance between theory and practice. Participants navigated through sessions covering topics such as the potential usability of AI, data analytics concepts and the growing importance of open data.
Prototyping for SMEs:
At the end of the course, participants developed seven different prototypes tailored to their respective organisations. These prototypes reflected practical applications of AI and data analytics to address real-world challenges.
Building connections:
During the course, a new collaborative network emerged, bringing together participants from different sectors. This network now serves as a platform for ongoing exchange and future innovation.
Commitment and flexibility:
The course saw a high level of participant engagement, driven by a flexible agenda that adapted to the different levels of experience of participants.
The need for flexibility and collaboration
One of the key takeaways from the event was the importance of flexibility in accommodating the different levels of experience of the participants. The three-tiered approach to sharing proved particularly effective in fostering collaboration:
- Participants began by brainstorming ideas within their own company groups.
- Feedback from small mixed groups of four helped to refine these ideas.
- A final exchange with the whole group allowed for broader perspectives and further refinement.
This structured yet adaptable approach ensured productive discussions and impactful outcomes, with prototypes directly aligned to the needs of the participating SMEs.
Focus areas and outcomes
The training sessions revolved around three main themes:
- Understanding the potential and limitations of AI, with an emphasis on its practical applicability.
- Gain insight into the core principles of data analysis and its application in decision making.
- Exploring the growing importance of open data and its benefits for transparency and innovation.
These focus areas, combined with the collaborative structure, provided participants with a clear pathway to effectively integrate AI and data analytics into their day-to-day operations.
The training course demonstrated the potential for tailored training to address the specific challenges faced by SMEs. As participants return to their businesses with new skills and a collaborative network, the impact of this training will continue to unfold.
The SMERALD project partners look forward to seeing how these prototypes and discussions shape the future of AI adoption in SMEs.