{Rudolfovo participates in the AI4VET4AI project and the integration of artificial intelligence in vocational education
{Rudolfovo - Science and Technology Centre Novo mesto has started activities within the AI4VET4AI project, which focuses on research and application of artificial intelligence (AI) in vocational education. The main objective of the project, which runs until June 2027, is to contribute to raising the digital competences of people in the European labour market through innovative learning content and methods in VET (vocational education and training) curricula. We want to highlight the importance of raising awareness of the potential offered by artificial intelligence.
Artificial intelligence will be key to the development of the 21st century, with experts predicting that its growth will fundamentally change everyday life in the next two decades. The impact of AI will challenge the fundamental principles of economic and social order. Worryingly, the EC2020 report concludes that Europe is lagging behind the US and Asia in the adoption and development of AI, with a lack of skilled labour being one of the reasons.
The project consortium brings together 26 partners from 11 European countries, including the {Rudolfovo Research Institute. The joint effort highlights the importance of research, development and implementation of AI in VET and the importance of cooperation between different sectors and countries to use AI more effectively in educational processes.
The project is aimed at a wide range of target groups. It is an opportunity for VET participants to develop AI-related competences and skills, which will improve their readiness for future work challenges. Teachers will have the opportunity to integrate AI-related content into their courses, thus broadening the scope of teaching and ensuring the relevance of their curricula for the future. Students and teachers from higher education institutions will be able to engage in partnerships with vocational education and training organisations, allowing the exchange of knowledge and innovative practices across sectors. Representatives from different sectors will work together to recruit partners who will contribute to closing the skills gap in AI, strengthening the integration between the education and business sectors. Innovative start-ups, SMEs and other business organisations will be able to gain access to a pool of talented AI professionals. Policy makers at regional and national level will be able to engage more closely with how centres of professional excellence contribute to regional smart specialisation strategies, strengthening the integration between the education and policy sectors in terms of developing innovative strategies for regional progress.
AI4VET4AI activities are also aimed at bringing partners closer together and raising awareness in the EU (Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, Italy, Greece and Spain) and in Serbia and Turkey about the potential of artificial intelligence. In turn, this helps us to create a common, active platform of EU citizens and institutions who are interested, informed and motivated to further support the development of AI. All this will form the basis of our Centre of Excellence for Vocational Education (CoVE), which aims to involve many more institutions (higher education, vocational education and training, companies, agencies, individuals) in its quest for a sustainable, inclusive and equitable future powered by AI for all.
Our ambitious goals are aimed at building trust in AI by creating a common understanding and awareness of the robust use of AI in line with EU and international regulatory and ethical standards. At the same time, we are working to deploy AI innovations in key sectors to develop relevant skills in line with the Digital Education Action Plan (2021-2027). These skills will foster smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, which is at the heart of the EU's development agenda.
Dr. Janez Kolar, head of the AI4VET4AI project at {Rudolfovovo says: "We expect that the use of artificial intelligence will change the field of vocational education beyond recognition with its exponential development and penetration into almost all areas of our work. {Rudolf's aim is to keep pace with evolving technologies on the one hand, and to act as a generator of development and a bridge between institutions on the other."
Associate Professor Dr. Leo Mršić, from Algebra University (Croatia), the project's lead partner, adds: "Education is a basic building block of society that has historically ensured the survival of future generations by providing them with the new knowledge and skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing world. However, our education systems need to evolve to keep pace with the accelerating pace of global change. The AI4VET4AI project aims to identify and use Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a key tool in driving the development and shaping the future of education in VET."
Contact for further information about the project: dr. Janez Kolar, Project Manager AI4VET4AI at {Rudolfovo, e-mail: janez.kolar@rudolfovo.eu.
Additional materials: AI4VET4AI Website, AI4VET4AI Facebook, AI4VET4AI LinkedIN
Press information: {Rudolfovo, Public Relations, Katja Sinur, e-mail: katja.sinur@rudolfovo.eu, 040 320 516.
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