Driving Advantage with AI: Success Factors for SMEs

About the event

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of the European economy, driving innovation, employment, and regional development. As artificial intelligence (AI) transforms industries and reshapes global competition, the ability of these businesses to successfully adopt and integrate AI will be critical to Europe’s economic resilience and societal progress. When SMEs harness AI effectively, they can boost productivity, create higher-value jobs, and accelerate the green and digital transitions. Moreover, widespread SME adoption ensures that the benefits of AI—such as smarter resource use, improved services, and greater inclusivity—are broadly shared across communities and sectors, reinforcing Europe’s ambition for a fair, competitive, and future-ready economy.

Join us to explore how European SMEs are putting artificial intelligence to work to sharpen their competitive edge. Hear directly from business leaders as they share real experiences, lessons learned, and innovative approaches, and learn about the European resources and networks helping them succeed.

Please note that in-person attendance is limited to the number of seats available and will be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis. A member of our team will contact you to confirm your attendance once your registration has been received. Alternatively, online participation is possible.

Agenda

12:30 - 13:00

Welcome and light networking lunch


13:00 - 13:30

Introduction and setting the stage

This session frames the workshop with an overview of the FORSEE research initiatives on success factors for SMEs for AI adoption, key preliminary results, and participant introductions.


13:30 - 14:00

Workshop session 1: Getting AI-ready from within – Internal enablers for SMEs

This session focuses on internal enablers that shape AI readiness in SMEs, including strategy, technical infrastructure, and organizational practices.


14:00 - 14:30

Workshop session 2:  Beyond the business: External enablers and the AI ecosystem

This session explores the external factors that support AI adoption in SMEs, such as partnerships, networks, policies, and the wider innovation ecosystem.

14:30 - 14:45

Closing remarks

A brief wrap-up to reflect on the discussions, highlight key insights, and outline next steps.


Who should participate?

  • SME owners, managers, and innovators interested in AI adoption
  • AI solution providers and technology experts
  • Researchers and stakeholders engaged in Europe’s digital transition

Benefits of participating:

  • Gain first-hand insights from SMEs already applying AI in their businesses
  • Learn about the resources and tools available to strengthen competitiveness
  • Participate in interactive sessions to exchange experiences and build connections
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