On July 28th, 2025, TEAM4Excellence took part in the INAIR project’s Virtual Knowledge Cafe, bringing together more than 30 participants from across Europe to explore AI upskilling strategies for the retail workforce. The event served as a platform for knowledge sharing and practical dialogue between researchers, educators, and retail sector professionals.

The session opened with a welcome and project overview, where organisers shared the objectives and broader vision of INAIR – a project focused on boosting AI adoption in retail by equipping SMEs with tailored training resources. Participants were introduced to the project’s milestones and its role in aligning digital skills development with current labour market demands.

The highlight of the event was the “Lessons Learned from INAIR” segment.

• The University of Warsaw’s Digital Economy Lab (DELab) presented key findings from their research on AI adoption in the retail sector. Their insights covered digitalisation trends, major barriers for SMEs, and emerging skill gaps – setting the stage for an evidence-based approach to workforce upskilling.

• TEAM4Excellence introduced the AI Core Curriculum and Assessment Tool, a practical solution developed within the project to guide training providers and SMEs. This practical resource is designed to help training providers and SMEs design and assess AI upskilling pathways specifically aligned with the needs of the retail workforce.

Participants participated in interactive discussions, sharing their own challenges and strategies in upskilling retail staff. These conversations revealed common needs across regions, including clearer frameworks, hands-on examples, and flexible training formats.

The event concluded with a summary of shared insights and upcoming steps in the INAIR project. The Knowledge Cafe successfully strengthened cooperation among stakeholders and built momentum for the development of innovative, demand-driven learning resources for the retail sector.

Location: Online
Date: 28.07.2025