• DIGITAL SME’s most popular working group, the SME Focus Group on Artificial Intelligence (FG AI), is admitting 60 new members. Applications are open as of today! 

• An initiative together with the European Commission’s Joint Reserach Centre (JRC), the Focus Group will work over the next 3-5 years to understand how SMEs develop and adopt AI solutions.

• Focus Group members will form a strong network of SME-innovators at European level, gaining visibility, influence, and early insights around AI policy.

Good news for small businesses in Europe that develop or use AI: the SME Focus Group on Artificial Intelligence is growing! After its successful launch earlier this year, group coordinators decided to admit 60 additional SMEs. With a total of 100 companies, the Focus Group will be authoritative for the SME sector developing and using AI in Europe.

Artificial Intelligence is a key driver of digital transformation in Europe, and more and more SMEs are participating

After its successful launch in April this year, interest in the FG AI has remained high on the European level. Group coordinators at DIGITAL SME and the JRC received hundreds of applications by cutting-edge SMEs and startups developing and using AI, so they decided to enlarge the Focus Group.

Over the course of the next three to five years, members of the group will be regularly consulted by the European Commission’s JRC and form the evidence-base for a long-term panel study on AI adoption in Europe. While this research approach will help to inform policymaking, the group will also work together to develop statements and position papers on AI from the perspective of SMEs.

The Focus Group will give SMEs visibility at the European level, enabling them to address the European Commission directly with experiences, problems and critical issues. Members will also receive early updates on events and policy developments at the EU level. The group will meet at least twice per year, allowing the exchange of ideas and expertise and thus building a network of innovative AI companies from across Europe.

In addition, FG AI members will be among the first SMEs invited to join mid- to high-level events at the European level as well as live-streamed conversations and webinars with policymakers and experts. Recent examples include a DIGITAL SME Live conversation on Ethical AI and yesterday’s high-level SBS ICT Forum on AI standardisation.

Register now to join the Focus Group!

Registrations to the new spots in FG AI are open as of today.

The selection will be based on proven expertise in AI which will be evaluated based on the motivation provided in the application form, a review of the company website and information gathered via desk research, as well as other criteria such as a balanced sectoral and geographical distribution of participants in the focus group.

Applications will be considered until the deadline on 16 October, 12.00 CEST.

We look forward to receiving applications from Europe’s best AI businesses! Stay tuned for more news.