In 2024–2026, the international project AIKnowIT was implemented, during which an innovative platform for sharing and collaborating on artificial intelligence (AI), information technology (IT) and cybersecurity knowledge was created. This platform is intended for universities and small/medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that seek to apply digital solutions more effectively in their activities. The new platform is already online and available to users.
The project was implemented by an international consortium consisting of Klaipeda University (lead partner), Blekinge Institute of Technology (Sweden), West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin (Poland), Wismar University of Applied Sciences (Germany) and Klaipeda Science and Technology Park (associate partner). Representatives of SMEs from various sectors from Lithuania, Sweden, Poland and Germany also actively participated in the project activities.
Interviews, surveys and seminars were conducted with company representatives during the development of the platform. In each country, at least 15 SMEs participated in the surveys, sharing their needs, challenges and expectations related to the application of AI solutions. Based on the insights collected, the project team refined the most relevant topics and prepared eight practical use cases with specific tools:
- AI in human resources management: employee selection using Workable;
- AI in marketing: how to create advertisements with AdCreative.ai;
- virtual chat assistant (chatbot);
- document translation with localized AI;
- creation of effective queries with AI (with examples);
- data analysis using Google Colab;
- tax management in self-employment;
- website development with Wix.
All tools and examples of their application can be found on the platform: https://aiknowit.eu/use-cases-for-smes/
The results of the study showed that currently AI is most often used in SMEs to increase operational efficiency and reduce time costs. However, companies are increasingly expressing the need for more advanced solutions – especially decision-making and expert systems. It was also emphasized that businesses lack practical knowledge about AI tools and training to help prepare for their implementation.
According to the project manager, Klaipeda University Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dalia Baziukė, the created platform opens up new opportunities for both science and business:
“This is a collaboration space where researchers and companies can share knowledge, contact each other on joint projects and search for solutions together. It is also an active knowledge-sharing platform with forums and thematic groups that encourage discussions and the exchange of best practices.”
According to her, this initiative helps to identify relevant AI, IT and cybersecurity solutions more quickly and creates conditions for more sustainable cooperation between the academic and business sectors. This allows companies to prepare for the implementation of innovations more easily, and for researchers to better understand real market needs. The platform will be constantly supported and moderated by the project team, aiming to ensure its relevance and benefits to users.
Looking ahead, it is expected that the AIKnowIT platform will become a constantly growing tool that promotes the exchange of AI and IT knowledge, the dissemination of innovations and new international cooperation initiatives. In the future, it is planned to expand the platform’s functionality, involve more partners and integrate additional AI solutions.🔗 Find out more:
https://aiknowit.eu/use-cases-for-smes/
https://aiknowit.eu/bridging-smes-and-universities/
This project has been co-funded with support from the European Commission. This communication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
