Spoke 5 Eng Archives - RAISE Innovation Ecosystem

RAISE and learning Ecosystems: the contribution of the Observatory and Training

Posted on 24 December 202524 December 2025 by admin

On Thursday, December 4, an event dedicated to the role of artificial intelligence and robotics in innovation ecosystems, education, and territorial development was held at the Nautilus Hall of the Genoa Aquarium, within the framework of RAISE Spoke 5.

This event represented an important opportunity for dialogue among academia, institutions, companies, and research centers, with the aim of reflecting on the opportunities and challenges associated with the adoption of advanced technologies for innovative and sustainable development.

The program of the day was very rich in content. It included talks by two international keynote speakers, the presentation of the RAISE Observatory on AI and Robotics, several round tables dedicated to business, public administration, and education, as well as the presentation of eight training projects aimed at strengthening skills in the fields of artificial intelligence and robotics.

The event opened with institutional greetings from Nicoletta Buratti, University of Genoa, and Cristina Battaglia, RAISE Programme Manager, who introduced the audience to the RAISE ecosystem and its strategic objectives.

This was followed by the two keynote speeches. Margherita Pagani of the SKEMA Center for Artificial Intelligence offered a reflection on the use of AI, highlighting its potential for business creativity, ecosystem protection, and the improvement of educational systems.

Fulvio Mastrogiovanni of the University of Genoa addressed artificial intelligence and robotics as a process of gradual learning, emphasizing the importance of a conscious and responsible approach to technological development.

The central part of the morning was dedicated to the presentation of the RAISE Observatory on AI and Robotics, coordinated by Nicoletta Buratti.

The researchers involved illustrated the main lines of research and the results achieved. Valeria Schifilliti presented a study on the impact of GenAI on marketing professions; Gioele Zamparo analyzed the monitoring of deep tech technologies in Italy; and Valentina Costa showcased applications of AI in local public transport. These contributions highlighted how artificial intelligence and robotics are already transforming key sectors of the economy and public services.

This was followed by a round table dedicated to the role of AI and robotics in the development of businesses and society, moderated by Nicoletta Buratti. The discussion involved representatives from academia, industry, and institutions, who examined the present and future of innovation ecosystems, underscoring the need for collaboration among research, the productive system, and public administrations.

In the afternoon, attention shifted to RAISE training projects dedicated to the AI and robotics of the future. Nicoletta Buratti introduced the Training program, followed by two round tables moderated by Miriam Molinari (IIT), which gave voice to the leaders of the individual projects and to local stakeholders.

The first round table focused on changes in education and the importance of new pathways for students and researchers, capable of integrating technological skills, entrepreneurship, and knowledge transfer.

The second addressed the issue of the skills gap in companies and public administration, reflecting on how to move from theoretical knowledge to practical know-how in the use of AI and robotics.

The day concluded with an overall reflection on the results of the Observatory and the Training program, enriched by the perspectives of representatives from institutions and businesses.

Andrea Pescino, StratejAI & Fusion AI Labs, emphasized the importance of building maturity and awareness around key issues for the future of society.

Iacopo Avegno, representing the Liguria Region, highlighted the value of the RAISE ecosystem as a network of skills and strategic vision, expressing the hope that research results can be translated into concrete benefits for the territory, companies, and citizens:
“What I will take away from this day is the awareness that there is a community, an ecosystem of highly capable researchers and companies within RAISE, who have done an excellent job in exploring areas of excellence such as robotics and artificial intelligence, environmental data sensors, transport and port logistics. I will take with me the awareness that the work we must now do is to ensure that this work has an impact on the territory and on companies, and that it becomes a shared asset that truly contributes to development and to providing better services to citizens. Let us think about what research on artificial intelligence can mean for industry, healthcare, and the services that healthcare can provide—an area in which we as a Region are particularly engaged—but also tourism, or monitoring environmental data and risks to people. These are many highly valuable insights that we must ensure turn into concrete outcomes. The important thing is that we have built a network of capable people with a strong vision. This is the great legacy of RAISE, and one that I would not want to see dispersed.”

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A wide range of training opportunities for digital citizenship thanks to the Spoke 5 Training Program

Posted on 9 December 20259 December 2025 by admin

The RAISE Digital Citizenship Training Courses are free, online, and interactive courses that award 1 ECTS credit and 1 RAISE Open Badge for skills in robotics and artificial intelligence applied to different disciplines.

The courses are aimed at UniGe students and interested citizens, with the goal of increasing awareness and autonomy in the use of advanced digital skills.

UniGe offers a rich and innovative training catalog consisting of 34 courses – 23 developed in the first edition and 11 in the second edition – always available online to follow asynchronously and with complete flexibility.

The 34 training courses are divided into basic, intermediate, or advanced levels, which can be accessed based on prior knowledge. Three “pilot” courses are also available to introduce the first concepts of robotics and artificial intelligence.
Teaching is delivered through interactive videos on the dedicated RAISE Aulaweb platform.
Each course is organized into learning capsules, quizzes, games, exercises, and self-learning activities.

At the end of each course, everyone will receive an Open Badge and UniGe students will also earn 1 ECTS credit to include among their additional credits.
The courses were designed by faculty members with the support of UniGe experts in innovative teaching as part of the P4 | Basic AI and Robotics Skills at University Level project within the Training Program coordinated by Spoke 5, part of the RAISE Liguria educational program.

Here is the link to the UniGe page.

AI and Robotics: transforming perspectives

Posted on 4 December 20254 December 2025 by admin

On Thursday, December 4, the Nautilus Hall of the Genoa Aquarium hosted the RAISE meeting Learning Ecosystems: the Contribution of the Observatory and Training, as part of Spoke 5.

The initiative brought together scholars and local representatives for an engaging discussion on the transformations affecting research and intelligent technologies. The two keynote lectures expanded the conversation by offering original and complementary perspectives on the future of AI.

The first speaker was Margherita Pagani, Director of the SKEMA Center for Artificial Intelligence at SKEMA Business School and Professor of Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence and Digital Marketing. In her talk, AI with Purpose: From Business Creativity to Ecology, Health, and Education, Pagani illustrated how artificial intelligence is broadening the scope of creativity in business and individual pathways.

She concluded her presentation by saying: “Artificial intelligence generates new ways to stimulate both corporate and individual creativity. If applied appropriately, it connects many of the topics I have presented with the objectives of RAISE.” She added: “We are exploring how AI can pursue a purpose, a goal, a mission, and in particular, how it can benefit society, ecology, healthcare, and education.”

Margherita Pagani’s keynote provided a clear overview of AI’s potential as a transversal driver of evolution, capable of creating value in services, digital platforms, and experiential engagement processes.

The second keynote, Artificial Intelligence and Robotics: A Slow Apprenticeship, was delivered by Fulvio Mastrogiovanni, Associate Professor at the University of Genoa, Vice Rector for International Relations, and Coordinator of the International Master’s Degree in Robotics Engineering. With extensive experience in robotics and two spin-offs founded within the university, Mastrogiovanni outlined an evolutionary framework that intertwines science, design, and everyday impact. He remarked: “An interesting aspect of the evolution of artificial intelligence and robotics is their pervasive nature: they are part of our lives even in areas where we do not realize it.” He then encouraged a long-term perspective: “I believe it is necessary to start thinking of artificial intelligence as something that exists and will continue to exist in the future, and especially to understand how to make the most of it. In a very broad sense, humans and intelligent technologies will develop together.”

Nicoletta Buratti, Associate Professor of Economics and Business Management and organizer of the event for Spoke 5 of RAISE, commented: “For me, it was important to invite these two keynote speakers, as they allowed us to start the day with two different perspectives on the importance of investing in research on these topics. We heard how AI, particularly from a managerial standpoint, can support business processes that enhance competitiveness and the development of applications aimed at people’s well-being. We talked about AI for Purpose, meaning artificial intelligence focused on solving real-world problems. Professor Margherita Pagani, Director of the Center for Artificial Intelligence at SKEMA Business School in Paris, presented this perspective very clearly. Professor Fulvio Mastrogiovanni, a cognitive roboticist, offered a broader reflection: he invited us to consider the origins of the human desire to create machines ‘like us’ and provided a historical, and sometimes provocative, overview leading up to the present.”

Today presents both great opportunities and significant questions. While innovations in robotics and AI can truly provide solutions to humanity’s challenges, concerns also arise regarding scenarios that could lead to a dystopian future. For this reason, it is essential to pay careful attention and always include ethical reflection in everything we do.”

Training and innovation: a Genova event dedicated to AI and robotics for professionals and SMEs

Posted on 20 November 202520 November 2025 by admin

On 14 November, Talent Garden Genova Baltimora hosted the training event “Artificial Intelligence and Robotics: Implementation Strategies for Professionals and SMEs”, organised within the project P7 – Advanced AI & Robotics Applications4SMEs, one of the training pathways of the RAISE ecosystem coordinated by Spoke 5.

The event brought together professionals, technicians, researchers, consultants and representatives of innovative SMEs from the region, with the aim of providing practical tools for introducing advanced artificial intelligence and robotics solutions into business processes.

The event, organised in collaboration with the Order of Engineers of the Province of Genoa, enabled registered members to earn four professional training credits and to explore in greater depth the topics introduced in the online training capsules, which remain available even after the in-person session. The speakers led three complementary sessions designed to offer an integrated view of AI adoption: from software and hardware development fundamentals to the implications for business processes, up to the managerial strategies needed to support long-term digital transformation.

The first session, led by Luca Tricerri, a software engineer specialised in embedded systems, explored the technical foundations of developing advanced solutions. The speaker analysed recurring challenges in real-world projects and illustrated tools such as LLM, RAG and digital twin, showing how to integrate them into products and processes designed for reliability, scalability and upgradability. His contribution offered participants a clear framework of best practices that guide the development of intelligent systems in robotics and embedded applications.

The second session, presented by Silvana Frascheri, a consultant specialising in business process analysis and redesign, addressed the organisational implications of adopting artificial intelligence. She illustrated concrete examples of companies that redefined operational flows, business models and work methodologies through the introduction of AI solutions. Her intervention highlighted the transversal skills required during change processes and provided useful tools for managing digital transformation projects in diverse organisational contexts.

The third session, delivered by Emanuele Castagno, Executive Vice President at RINA, focused on experiences developed within enterprise environments. He shared practical examples related to advanced automation, quality control, predictive maintenance and the use of Generative AI for decision support. The cases presented showed how a strategic approach guides the introduction of intelligent systems through progressive phases of experimentation, validation and scaling.

The day concluded with a roundtable featuring all three speakers – Luca Tricerri, Silvana Frascheri and Emanuele Castagno – which explored topics related to AI-driven competitive opportunities, organisational challenges and collaborative innovation pathways involving SMEs, research centres and professionals.

The event offered participants a comprehensive overview of the transformative potential of artificial intelligence and robotics, strengthening the role of the RAISE ecosystem in supporting the digital growth of the region through training, knowledge exchange and structured collaboration.

The P7 – Advanced AI & Robotics Applications4SMEs project supports professionals and employees of innovative SMEs by offering managerial, regulatory and technological guidance for the adoption of AI- and robotics-based solutions. The programme helps companies and operators improve internal processes, increase competitiveness and develop a solid awareness of emerging technologies. It also promotes encounters between researchers and companies, fostering new forms of Open Innovation.

Negotiating with awareness: strategies and tools for researchers

Posted on 10 November 202510 November 2025 by admin

The “Effective Negotiation Masterclass”, part of Module 3 of P1 – RAISE Knowledge Transfer & Entrepreneurship Academy (second edition) and coordinated by RAISE’s Spoke 5, is included in the Training Program aimed at researchers and PhD candidates, both within and outside the RAISE network.

The workshop offered an intensive pathway to translate theory into practice and to face the challenges of scientific and organizational collaboration with greater confidence.
Designed and led by Barbara Galli, International Professional Coach and founder of BGTalentUp, with the participation of Giorgio De Sario, Founder & Executive Chairman of Day One, the Masterclass guided participants through an experiential journey that combined established methodologies with innovative negotiation tools, enriched by opportunities for exchange and hands-on experimentation.

The session began with an exploration of the Negotiation Polygon and the Zone of Possible Agreement (ZPA) – concepts useful for defining objectives, margins for maneuver, and underlying interests. From there, the group explored different negotiation styles, learned how to manage conflict situations, and developed strategies for fostering constructive dialogue. Practical exercises encouraged a deeper understanding of interpersonal dynamics, helping participants recognize their own behavioral patterns and transform them into relational strengths.

Special attention was devoted to the role of emotions in negotiation, considered essential components of the process. Learning to identify and manage emotions helps build trust, promote cooperation, and reach more balanced and conscious agreements. Through case studies and moments of shared reflection, participants also addressed the topic of negotiation traps—the cognitive and relational habits that can undermine the balance between listening and assertiveness.

Among the practical tools presented, the BATNA (Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement) provided a concrete method for evaluating options and strengthening one’s negotiation position. The Johari Window and the Creativity Canvas for Negotiation enriched the experience with insights for self-reflection and group analysis, encouraging a broader understanding of relationships and interpersonal communication. A case study simulation allowed participants to consolidate the skills acquired, transforming theory into applied competence.

“Bringing negotiation into the world of research means exploring a very different context from the corporate one,” explained Barbara Galli and Giorgio De Sario. “For researchers, negotiation is not primarily about profit, but about building alliances, sharing knowledge, and managing projects among organizations with diverse cultures and goals. It involves not only strategies, but also ethics, trust, and relational awareness. In managerial or commercial contexts,” they added, “negotiation tends to be more direct and result-oriented. Yet in every field, negotiating does not mean selling — it’s about creating sustainable relationships based on listening and mutual understanding. Ultimately, regardless of our role or context, we remain human beings, and the quality of our relationships determines the quality of the outcomes we achieve.”

The Masterclass offered an engaging and meaningful experience in which theory, practice, and introspection merged into a path of personal and professional growth. It provided a valuable opportunity to understand how negotiation, conceived as a conscious form of dialogue, can become a tool for cultural innovation — one capable of connecting diverse worlds, from science to business, through collaboration, emotional intelligence, and shared responsibility.

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Digital technologies and public procurement: the second edition of Plan 3 concluded

Posted on 5 November 20256 November 2025 by admin

On November 3, 2025, the second edition of Plan 3 – “E-procurement: the Use of Digital Technologies in the Procurement Process” concluded. The course was promoted by Spoke 5 of RAISE as part of the Training Program P5 | AI for Public Administration.

The initiative offered an advanced training path dedicated to public administration officials, aiming to provide them with up-to-date tools to address the ongoing transformations driven by digital and technological innovation.

The course provided participants with an in-depth focus on the application of digital technologies in public purchasing processes, with particular attention to Italy’s new Public Procurement Code. The training was structured in two sessions: the first took place online on October 24, 2025, and the second in person on November 3, 2025, at the Bensa Lecture Hall of the University of Genoa.

The final day, curated by Professor Matteo Timo (University of Genoa), Dr. Giovanni Botto (University of Genoa), and Dr. Valentina Varano (Italian Institute of Technology), featured a roundtable discussion with contributions from Professor Gerolamo Taccogna and active participation from the course attendees.

During the session, the speakers analyzed the main innovations introduced by the new procurement code, presenting practical examples of how digital tools can enhance the management of purchasing processes and encouraging an open exchange between experts and professionals from the public sector. The workshop-based approach and the high level of interaction allowed participants to translate theoretical insights into practical experience, strengthening the connection between academic research and administrative practice.

Plan 3 primarily targeted administrative officials working in e-procurement and digital transition management. The fifty available seats for this second edition were quickly filled, confirming the growing interest in the digital transformation of public administration and in innovative approaches to procurement management.

Across the two training sessions, participants developed key skills to understand the implications of the new regulatory framework, use digital technologies effectively, and recognize the benefits of e-procurement in terms of efficiency, cost savings, transparency, and accountability.

At the end of the course, participants received an Open Badge, certifying the competencies acquired.

As explained by Simona Tirasso, one of the event organizers: “Technological and digital innovation drives public administration and its officials to face new challenges that require specific skills. For this reason, during the training day we explored the use of digital technologies in the procurement process, with particular focus on the new procurement code. The public administration employees involved had the opportunity to learn about the latest developments in procurement, interact with expert lecturers, and deepen their understanding of the advantages and challenges of e-procurement in terms of efficiency, cost savings, transparency, and accountability.”

The second edition of Plan 3 built upon and expanded the content of the first, held in May 2025, reaffirming RAISE’s commitment to promoting continuous education for public sector personnel.

Thanks to NRRP funding, all P5 RAISE training activities were provided free of charge, supporting participation and fostering the growth of digital skills within public administration.

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The P2 – Basic AI & Robotics Applications 4SMEs seminar series by Spoke 5 concludes successfully

Posted on 8 October 20258 October 2025 by admin

On September 24, the final session of the Basic AI & Robotics Applications 4SMEs seminar series, part of Spoke 5’s Training Program, was held at the Talent Garden Genoa venue.

The theme of the event focused on the applications of robotics in logistics operations on the company shop floor — from workshops and laboratories to warehouses.

Joining remotely, Jody Saglia, founder of Alto Robotics, presented Node, a platform featuring an autonomous mobile robot capable of navigating company spaces through a customizable mapping system. The robot’s design won the prestigious Red Dot Design Award 2024 in the Design Concepts category.

The second speaker, Paolo Guria, Founder and CEO of Unconventional Minds—a startup studio specialized in robotics and mechatronics—shared his experience of over 20 years in automation. Over the past eight years, including six at IIT, he has focused on the design, construction, and debugging of multi-joint and humanoid robots. His presentation highlighted projects for public spaces where robotics plays not only a functional but also a choreographic role, through kinetic sculptures that strongly define the character of each space.

With this final session, the training program comes to a close, offering participants concrete and innovative insights into the integration of artificial intelligence and robotics solutions within business processes. The initiative reaffirms Spoke 5’s central role in promoting advanced technological skills across diverse audiences.

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Intellectual property management for Technology Transfer and Innovation

Posted on 2 October 20252 October 2025 by admin

On September 30, 2025, the workshop “Intellectual Property Management for Technology Transfer and Innovation” took place at the Talent Garden in Genoa. The initiative, dedicated to Module 1 of the second edition of the project RAISE P1 | Knowledge Transfer & Entrepreneurship Academy, was promoted by Spoke 5 as part of the RAISE Training Program.

The workshop engaged researchers, PhD students, and postdoctoral fellows from the Ecosystem with the aim of strengthening skills in technology transfer, intellectual property protection, and the enhancement of research results.

The training program included three modules, for a total of thirty hours, combining microlearning videos and in-person workshops. Module 1 provided the foundations for intellectual property protection and research valorization, with a focus on technology transfer in the deep-tech sector.

The day began with participant registration and opening remarks by Cristina Battaglia, Programme Manager of RAISE, and Maria Carmela Basile, Head of the Research Valorization Unit at CNR and Coordinator of Module 1. Antonio Cusmà (CNR-UVR) followed with a reflection on technology transfer strategies and an overview of the module’s contents.

The next session explored industrial property rights as tools for innovation, led by Silvia Cella and Alessia Naso (CNR-UVR), who illustrated the use of patent and trademark databases for consultation, data extraction, and the application of patent information.

After the lunch break, Edgardo De Ambrogi and Valerio Verdecchia, European Patent Attorneys from Jacobacci & Partners, addressed the challenges of patent protection in the era of artificial intelligence, offering practical examples and real-world experiences. Arianna Vimercati and Massimiliano Savi, European Patent Attorneys from Notarbartolo & Gervasi, then discussed the use of AI in patent processes, presenting case studies and reflections on the role of the inventor.

Throughout the day, participants emphasized the importance of the workshop. Maria Carmela Basile remarked:
“We have concluded the second edition of the RAISE Workshop on intellectual property protection and valorization, following Module 1 of the Knowledge Transfer & Entrepreneurship Academy. This module, curated by the Research Valorization Unit of CNR, provided the Ecosystem’s researchers with essential knowledge and tools to frame knowledge transfer as an integral part of public research. We explored crucial topics such as software and AI patenting, thanks to CNR experts and professional patent attorneys. It was a valuable opportunity for discussion and growth.”

Antonio Cusmà (CNR) added:
“I believe this initiative has been highly successful. We involved distinguished speakers from different backgrounds, from CNR colleagues to some of the most prominent Italian patent law firms. We addressed highly relevant issues such as the intersection between industrial property, artificial intelligence, robotics, and software. The attentive participation of the audience confirmed the value of this exchange.”

With this edition, RAISE reaffirmed its commitment to building strategic skills that transform research into value, strengthening dialogue between science, business, and society.

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Robotics, AI and networking: at Nervi, the third edition of the DRIMS2 Doctoral School

Posted on 29 September 202529 September 2025 by admin

Genova Nervi has recently hosted the 3rd edition of the DRIMS2 Doctoral School, an Advanced Training Program organized as part of RAISE Spoke 5 – Boosting PhD students’ career activity.

This challenging event, which also provided a great networking opportunity for the participants, took place in the last week of August and brought together 90 participants from national and international institutions.

As part of the national PhD Program in Robotics and Intelligent Machines, the School offered several transversal activities aimed at Doctoral students from several disciplines, including a full day dedicated to the RAISE Ecosystem. The topics of Robotics and AI, Human-Centric Design of Sustainable Mechatronics Systems, as well as Advanced Manufacturing, have been discussed.

The Local Chair of the conference, Prof. Giovanni Berselli (University of Genoa and ADVR, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia) comments:
“We had the pleasure to host the 3rd edition of DRIMS2 in Genova and we really have to thank many people who made this possible. It has been a truly successful edition, with high satisfaction by the participants. A special thanks to the contributing companies (Oversonic Robotics, PAL Robotics and FunctionBay S.r.l.), to all the Keynote Speakers and Tutors coming from all over Italy, as well as to the representatives of the National and Local Doctoral Schools. The results and feedbacks of the School will be presented at the national conference of the Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Machines that will be held in Rome between 17 and 19 October 2025”.

Beatrice Sola, one the students, added:
“I had the privilege of participating in the Summer School of Robotics and Intelligent Machines, organized by the I-RIM Institute and held at the Emiliani College in Nervi (Genoa), a unique location: classrooms with sea view, the cliff and the small port a few steps away, a context that made the experience even more special.
It was not just a school, but an intense week of learning, challenges, new encounters and lots of fun. Mornings were dedicated to stimulating lessons, while afternoons took place in hands-on workshops, where we applied what we learned to a group project for the final challenge. With my team we managed to win third place: a result that enhances not only the finish line, but above all the shared path and the moments lived together.
We also had the privilege of listening to speakers of the highest level, including Arash Ajoudani, Gianluca Palli, Francesco Nori, Antonio Bicchi and Elena De Momi, who shared valuable reflections and knowledge. The meeting with representatives of industry – PAL Robotics, FunctionBay GmbH and Oversonic – also offered a concrete perspective on the fact that research and industry do not replace each other but proceed on parallel and complementary lines.
The challenge allowed us to work on collaborative robots, delving into aspects such as design, computer vision, tactile sensors and control.
The Summer School was not just study: the program also left room for extra activities such as kayaking, SUP, snorkeling, and even a team treasure hunt, which made the group even more united. But one of the most valuable teachings goes beyond the technical side: I return from this experience with new friends and colleagues with whom I can compare ideas and discussions and also for the more human side of the doctoral path”.

We would like to thank Prof. Arash Ajoudani (IIT), Prof. Elena De Momi (Milan Polytechnic), Prof. Gianluca Palli (University of Bologna), Prof. Francesco Nori (Google DeepMind), and Prof. Antonio Bicchi (IIT and University of Pisa).

A thank you also goes to all the members of the DRIMS2 Steering Committee: Calogero Oddo (Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies), Andrea Zanchettin (Milan Polytechnic), Matteo Matteucci (Milan Polytechnic), Gabriele Costante (University of Perugia), Gionata Salvietti (University of Siena), Nicola Pedrocchi (CNR), and of course the students and fantastic tutors who participated in the school.

Last but not least, thanks to the National Doctoral Coordinator, Prof. Antonio Sgorbissa, the Vice-Rector for Research, Prof. Laura Gaggero, for their continued support within RAISE Spoke 5, Oversonic Robotics, PAL Robotics, and Function Bay for sponsoring the School and participating in our “round tables with industry”.

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Author: Simone Mentasti (Milan Polytechnic)
Credits: UniGe and RAISE

AI solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises

Posted on 12 September 202513 September 2025 by admin

On Wednesday, September 10, the workshop “AI in the Back Office: Optimizing Administration and Human Resources in SMEs” was held at Talent Garden in Genoa, the seventh meeting of the P2 – Basic AI & Robotics Applications4SMEs project, developed by Spoke 5 of RAISE as part of the RAISE Training program.

The event represented an important opportunity to update and engage with practical applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in small and medium-sized enterprises, with particular attention to administrative functions and human resources management.

During the workshop, the speakers demonstrated how AI and ML can enhance key processes for the operation of SMEs, generating tangible benefits in operational efficiency, cost reduction, and resource optimization.

The meeting showcased real-life examples and innovative solutions already available on the market, highlighting how these technologies can be quickly and effectively implemented in everyday business activities, transforming administrative and HR management from a simple cost center into a strategic lever for competitiveness and growth.

Among the main presentations, Davide Armaleo and Alessio Abrami introduced two significant digital solutions: the Rivelo project, a platform that automates planning and control processes while adapting to each company’s specific needs, and Mistral Digital Solutions, which enables the management of company knowledge and documentation through AI-based tools. Both presentations demonstrated how adopting digital technologies can simplify daily operations, improve productivity and data accuracy, and allow SMEs to focus more on strategic, value-added activities.

In addition, Denise De Lucia, consultant and trainer at Happily, a Genoa-based company specializing in HR and corporate welfare, explored the use of AI in human resources, illustrating tools and strategies to optimize personnel management, support employee well-being, and effectively plan internal training activities. Her presentation highlighted how innovative technologies can improve HR processes, making companies more agile and capable of quickly adapting to market demands.

The seminar attracted a diverse audience, including entrepreneurs, managers, and professionals interested in understanding the opportunities offered by AI and ML in the SME context. The event allowed participants to explore the potential of these technologies, emphasizing their role in making companies more competitive, resilient, and capable of effectively addressing the challenges of a constantly evolving market.

“It is very important to take part in events like these, because being there in person really makes you feel the closeness. Even though the topics are technological and may sometimes seem distant or complex, they are actually much more present in our lives than we might think. They are directly connected to everyday life, to the present and future of people and, above all, of companies,” commented Denise de Lucia from Happily.

This initiative is part of the broader RAISE Training program, which aims to support local enterprises in adopting advanced digital tools, promote the dissemination of innovative skills, and contribute to the development of a business ecosystem founded on research, technology, and innovation. The workshop thus represented a significant step in the technological transfer and digital growth of the SMEs involved.