Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a transformative technology with the potential to deliver vast economic benefits for Europe’s digital SMEs and society as a whole.
DIGITAL SME supports small and medium-sized enterprises for their business models to thrive in the AI revolution and liaises with policymakers as the voice of tech SMEs in AI lawmaking and strategy.
DIGITAL SME´s goal is to ensure that Europe becomes a global leader in AI, driven forward by a thriving ecosystem of European AI start-ups and SMEs.
AI Act Conformity Tool
Discover the level of risk of your AI solution and find out more about your pathway towards compliance with the AI Act.
The conformity assessment, developed by SBS and DIGITAL SME in collaboration with EIT Digital, navigates users through a structured series of questions, categorizing AI systems into four risk levels. Upon completing the assessment, users receive a report containing valuable resources, information on their system’s risk level, and advice on how to improve.
DIGITAL SME submitted amendments to create an ecosystem of support that would include sandboxes, contractual clauses, and participative standardisation to even the level playing field between large AI players and AI SMEs.
The work of DIGITAL SME on AI was featured in global media such as TIME, POLITICO, and Reuters, and our experts were invited to high-level hearings and events on AI policy.
Joint Focus Group AI
European tech SMEs and AI experts wishing to work closely with DIGITAL SME should consider joining.
Launched in partnership with the European Institute of Technology (EIT) and its Community Artificial Intelligence, the Joint FG AI will function as a forum for AI SMEs and start-ups to share best practices, explore business opportunities, and influence AI decision-making.
Services and tools on AI for SMEs
EUSAiR helps AI innovators on their path towards regulatory compliance with the AI Act. AI innovators can join the co-creation activities involving competent authorities and testing and experimentation facilities (TEFs) to shape the EU-wide AI Regulatory Sandbox Framework to their needs and requirements through this initiative.
Highlight your key challenges, needs and expectations in AI regulatory compliance and AI innovation by taking part in a short survey developed by EUSAiR and get an early invite to co-creation workshops with national authorities.
The Generative AI Skills Academy (GenAISA) is an EU-funded initiative designed to develop knowledge and skills in Generative AI technologies. By focusing on tailored training programs, GenAISA aims to prepare learners for the demands of a rapidly advancing digital world. It bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications, empowering individuals to confidently navigate the opportunities and challenges of emerging technologies.
The project plans to develop over 100 high-quality Open Educational Resources, as well as scalable training platforms, including MOOCs for wide accessibility and a Virtual World platform for immersive learning. These resources are designed to make AI education accessible, engaging, and adaptable to diverse learning needs, enhancing both vocational training and higher education.
Open and easily accessible, the AIoD platform facilitates knowledge sharing, research experimentation, and development of state-of-the-art solutions and technologies related to Artificial Intelligence, while ensuring the European seal of quality, trustworthiness, and explainability.
The platform is open to researchers, innovators, and companies interested in technically contributing to different elements of the platform, sharing the results of their research, or promoting tools and services they developed.
ARISA Alliance fast-tracks the re-skilling and up-skilling of employees, job-seekers, business leaders, and policy-makers in AI-related professions to open Europe to new business opportunities. It focuses on current and emerging professional roles across four occupational domains — business leaders, technology leaders, technology practitioners, and policymakers.
SMEs can join the ARISA Alliance as Associated Partners to gain access to a vibrant network that fosters knowledge exchange, collaboration, and the collective pursuit of excellence in AI skills development.
Relevant Publications
Generative AI systems rely on five key components: data, algorithms, computing power, specialized skills, and digital platforms, but access to these resources is often limited to the largest industry players due to high costs and expertise requirements. As a result, market concentration is increasing, leading to potential competition issues such as lack of interoperability, self-preferential treatment, and data-driven advantages for dominant firms. The paper highlights the need for regulatory adaptation in EU antitrust laws, including investigating AI collaborations, designating AI-related gatekeepers under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), and fostering digital commons to democratize AI access.
Through this joint letter, European tech companies urge policymakers to ensure the AI Act fosters innovation and competitiveness by addressing key concerns. The rushed pace of discussions on secondary legislation limits meaningful industry input, favoring large firms over smaller innovators. Transparency in stakeholder contributions and resource allocation is essential, as excessive regulatory demands disadvantage European companies. To maintain global competitiveness, the AI Act must not impose stricter burdens on European firms than international counterparts. By signing this letter, DIGITAL SME and its cosignatories remain committed to shaping a regulatory framework that balances innovation with fair competition.
The European DIGITAL SME Alliance urges the EU to ensure the AI Act fosters innovation and competitiveness for SMEs. To address this, the letter proposes clear guidance for SMEs, mandatory regulatory sandboxes, inclusive standards-setting, proportional fines, innovation monitoring, balanced obligations for all AI developers, and investment in digital infrastructure to enhance EU digital sovereignty. These actions aim to foster SME growth and strengthen Europe’s AI leadership.
On 21 April 2021, the European Commission put forward a proposal for an Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act) to set European rules for AI. This document gathers comments from SME experts in DIGITAL SME’s Focus Group AI. It aims to contribute to making the Act the best regulatory framework available for an innovative, trustful and responsible AI ecosystem.
