AI Skills & Policy: Bridging Education, Industry, and Governance

Online workshop, 24 June 2025 | 10:00-11:30 CET | Online

About the workshop

As artificial intelligence reshapes every sector of our society and economy, the race to build AI related skills is intensifying. European and national policymakers are increasingly focusing on skilling and reskilling initiatives to close the AI talent gap, while SMEs, educators, and learners face the challenge of adapting to rapidly evolving tools and demands.

This workshop explores the intersection of AI skills development and policy-making, focusing on how targeted policy measures can empower education and industry stakeholders in building a future-ready, inclusive workforce.

Through a multi-stakeholder discussion, we will examine best practices in policy-driven AI upskilling initiatives, the differing challenges faced by SMEs, educators, and learners, and how agile policy tools can keep pace with fast-evolving AI technologies.

Key themes & discussion angles

1. Best practices in policy-driven upskilling initiatives
• What have we learned from national and EU-funded AI skills programmes?
• How can public-private partnerships accelerate results?
• What role do Skills Alliances, Pact for Skills, Digital Skills and Jobs platform play?

2. Challenges for SMEs vs. Educators vs. Learners
• SMEs: Lack of in-house expertise, cost of training, access to relevant programmes
• Educators: Curriculum update cycles, training the trainers, digital infrastructure
• Learners: Accessibility, motivation, navigating career pathways in AI

3. Aligning policy tools with fast-moving AI technology
• How can policy remain relevant when AI tech evolves so rapidly?
• The role of foresight, agile funding mechanisms, and ongoing consultation
• Opportunities to embed ethical, inclusive AI principles into skills frameworks
At this event, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how effective policy design can bridge the AI skills gap by supporting education providers, industry actors, and learners alike. Through a multi-stakeholder dialogue, attendees will explore successful models of policy-driven upskilling, unpack the specific challenges faced by SMEs, educators, and individuals, and examine how governance tools can adapt to the rapid pace of AI innovation. The webinar will provide actionable insights, practical examples, and strategic recommendations to inform future policy initiatives and foster more agile, inclusive, and responsive AI skills ecosystems across Europe.