This report outlines the progress and outcomes of activities under Work Package 7 (WP7) for June 2025, aligned with the overarching goal of fostering early digital skills and promoting digital and green education and training. These initiatives are designed to be inclusive, open, transparent, and non-discriminatory, with a primary focus on supporting:

• Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) and small-midcaps,
• Public sector organizations engaged in non-economic activities.

The efforts described aim to create a supportive policy environment and practical tools that empower these target groups to navigate and thrive in the evolving digital landscape. The report highlights achievements in talent management, digital skills development, and innovation training, all contributing to a more resilient and future-ready workforce.

 

1. Talent Management Support

During this period, the project team made substantial progress in establishing a structured approach to digital talent management:

• Implementation Model: A comprehensive, step-by-step model was developed to guide the execution of digital talent audits, ensuring consistency and scalability across different organizations.
• Expert Recruitment Criteria: Clear requirements were defined for selecting digital experts, focusing on qualifications, experience in digital transformation, and familiarity with audit methodologies.
• Target Organizations: A preliminary list of approximately 20 organizations was compiled for conducting pilot digital talent audits, selected based on sector diversity and readiness for digital transformation.
• Audit Tools:

• • A detailed questionnaire was created to assess digital competencies, organizational culture, and readiness for digital innovation.
  • A model for evaluating and analyzing audit results was developed to ensure objective and actionable insights.
  • A report template was designed to standardize the presentation of audit findings.

• Digital Platform: An online application was launched to facilitate the digital talent assessment process. The platform allows for remote participation, automated data collection, and real-time analytics.

• Access the tool: https://umeniya-ai-insights.vercel.app/

• Expert Team: Five digital experts were successfully recruited and onboarded to conduct the audits, ensuring a diverse mix of skills and perspectives.

 

2. Digital Skills Training

To address the growing need for digital literacy and upskilling, several short-term training modules were developed:

• AI-Focused Modules:
  1. Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence – Introduction to AI concepts, history, and applications.
  2. Introduction to AI for Adults – Tailored for adult learners with no prior technical background.
  3. AI for Business Users – Focused on practical applications of AI in business decision-making.
  4. HR Management Using AI – Exploring AI tools for recruitment, performance evaluation, and employee engagement.
• Supporting Materials:

• • Each module includes annotations outlining learning objectives, key topics, and expected outcomes.
  • Document templates were prepared to support the organization and delivery of training sessions.

 

3. Innovation and Emerging Technologies Training

To foster a culture of innovation and prepare participants for Industry 4.0, additional training modules were created:

• Creative and Strategic Thinking:

6. Systematic Inventive Thinking– Techniques for structured innovation.

• 1. Design Thinking – User-centered problem-solving methodology.
  2. Generating Innovative Ideas – Tools and exercises to stimulate creativity.
  3. Growth Hacking – Strategies for rapid business growth using digital tools.
• Industry 4.0 Technologies:

10. Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)– Integration of smart devices in industrial settings.

• 1. Predictive and Preventive Maintenance – Using data analytics to anticipate equipment failures.
  2. Big Data – Methods for collecting and storing large datasets for future analysis.
  3. Digital Twins – Virtual replicas of physical systems for simulation and monitoring.
  4. Hands-on Training in XR Technologies – Practical sessions on virtual, augmented, and mixed reality.

• Training Support:

• Each module is accompanied by annotationsand implementation templates to ensure effective delivery and learner engagement.

 

The project is funded by the Programme “Research, Innovation and Digitalisation for Smart Transformation” 2021–2027, co-financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund. The project is coordinated by the Regional Innovation Centre “Ambitious Gabrovo”.

Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. The European Union cannot be held responsible for them.