General details
EDIHs involved
Customer
Customer size: Small (10-49)
Challenges
Hi-Tech Engineering and Key-Stone, two leading Turin-based companies, are at the forefront of innovation in their respective fields. Both firms recognise the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in achieving their strategic goals and maintaining a competitive edge.
Since the 1960s, Hi-Tech Engineering has been a pioneer in designing, building, and installing custom production lines for the heat treatment of steel and aluminum. With a strong foundation in metallurgical expertise, the company serves high-demand industries such as automotive, wind energy, nuclear power, aerospace, and railways. These sectors require relentless innovation and specialised solutions that are precise, efficient, and cost-effective. Hi-Tech Engineering’s commitment to pushing boundaries positions it as a vital player in the evolving industrial landscape.
Meanwhile, Key-Stone stands as a global leader in market research and strategic consulting, focusing on the dental, wellness, and professional cosmetics sectors. Operating in industries marked by rapid change and complex dynamics, Key-Stone excels in analysing intricate phenomena, forecasting trends, and driving transformative strategies. With access to an extensive database encompassing insights from hundreds of companies worldwide, the firm faces a critical challenge: streamlining data retrieval processes to enhance operational efficiency and agility.
Digitalisation is vital for addressing market challenges and meeting evolving client needs. AI offers both companies a powerful tool to stand out in competitive markets. However, they currently lack the necessary expertise to leverage AI effectively. Understanding AI’s potential and applications is essential for progress. An AI training program has been identified as a critical step forward. This initiative will bridge their knowledge gap and support innovation. It will also enable their digital transformation, unlocking new opportunities.
Solutions
To address these challenges, EDIH EXPAND organised a foundational AI training course specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of the two companies. The program was thoughtfully designed to cater to a diverse audience, ensuring that participants from various roles, departments, and levels of expertise could engage meaningfully and benefit from the content.
The course provided a thorough introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Deep Learning (DL), emphasising their transformative potential and real-world applications. It covered key concepts, methodologies, and trends while highlighting how these technologies are shaping industries worldwide. Participants explored practical examples, use cases, and success stories to understand the tangible benefits AI can bring to business operations.
The primary goal was to demystify these advanced technologies, making them accessible and relevant. Beyond understanding the theory, the course empowered participants with actionable tools, frameworks, and strategies to evaluate how AI could be effectively integrated into their specific business contexts. This practical focus helped bridge the gap between abstract concepts and real-world implementation.
This training marked a crucial first step in the companies' digital transformation journey. It equipped their teams with the foundational knowledge and confidence needed to explore AI-driven solutions for achieving faster, more efficient processes, enhancing decision-making, and fostering long-term innovation. By addressing immediate challenges, the program also laid the groundwork for sustained growth in a competitive, technology-driven landscape.
Results and Benefits
The training course effectively demystified complex AI concepts, breaking them down into accessible, easy-to-understand components. Participants were introduced to a clear and structured architectural framework, which not only enhanced their technical understanding but also bolstered their confidence in discussing AI-related topics with colleagues, customers, and stakeholders.
This approach sparked curiosity and enthusiasm, motivating participants to delve deeper into AI and stay informed about emerging trends and innovations in the field. Armed with practical knowledge, they are now equipped to identify real-world scenarios where AI solutions can be applied to deliver tangible business value. Furthermore, they have gained the skills to recognise and select appropriate Machine Learning (ML) methods and algorithms for specific use cases, enabling more targeted and effective implementations.
A key outcome of the training is the participants’ newfound ability to bridge the gap between business and technology. They can now communicate effectively with AI technical experts, facilitating stronger collaboration, clearer alignment on objectives, and smoother execution of AI-driven projects. This comprehensive skillset positions them to drive meaningful innovation and contribute to their organizations' digital transformation initiatives.
Perceived social/economic impact
The training program had several significant impacts on the companies, transforming their understanding and approach to AI.
Main impacts:
-
Increased awareness of AI tools and applications: Both companies gained a deeper understanding of AI’s potential, enabling them to identify relevant opportunities for innovation, operational efficiency, and competitive differentiation within their industries.
-
Enhanced knowledge and technical expertise: Employees across both organisations acquired foundational AI skills and confidence, empowering them to integrate advanced technologies into daily operations and align these capabilities with long-term strategic goals.
-
Improved competitiveness: By embracing AI, the companies positioned themselves ahead of industry peers. Leveraging these technologies enables them to optimize processes, create value, and deliver superior solutions to their customers.
-
Strengthened capacity for innovation: The training fostered a forward-thinking organisational culture, equipping employees to explore, design, and implement AI-driven solutions that address evolving market demands and drive sustainable growth.
Measurable data
To assess the immediate impact of the training, the active engagement and involvement of the companies’ team throughout the session was tracked. A total of 19 employees demonstrated active participation, contributing to discussions, and engaging with hands-on exercises. This strong level of engagement indicates a widespread interest in AI across the companies’ team, signalling a positive shift toward embracing digital transformation.
DMA score and results - Stage 0
Hi-Tech Engineering had an overall average score of 43% in the Digital Maturity Assessment. This demonstrates the achievement of an average level of digital maturity by the company. Nevertheless, there is still scope for improvement and Hi-Tech Engineering can benefit from additional investments in digital technologies and skills to improve operations and products. The company presents an average level of digital skills, which could be boosted through well planned training sessions, making the company to fully engage and support the adoption of new digital solutions without fear of the changes that this would bring.
Key-Stone obtained an overall average score of 29% in the Digital Maturity Assessment.This indicates that the company has achieved an average level of digital maturity, but there is considerable potential for further development. Hi-Tech Engineering stands to benefit greatly from increased investments in digital technologies and skill development. While the company currently demonstrates a moderate level of digital expertise, this could be strengthened through well-structured training programs. These initiatives would empower the company to fully adopt and implement new digital solutions, helping to ease any concerns about the impact of these changes.
Lessons learned
Do’s
-
Adopt a pragmatic, hands-on approach rather than a purely theoretical one.This method resonated strongly with industry professionals, as it provided them with actionable skills they could immediately apply in their work.
-
Integrate a diverse range of real-world industrial use cases to demonstrate the practical applications of AI. Participants found this aspect invaluable, as it helped bridge the gap between theory and the day-to-day challenges they face.
-
Ensure the training is well-organised, clear, and impactful, using structured content that builds on foundational knowledge while engaging participants with interactive elements.
-
Expand the number of hands-on exercises and interactive activities. This not only reinforces learning but also gives participants more opportunities to apply their knowledge in practical scenarios, ensuring better retention and understanding.
-
Provide comprehensive, user-friendly teaching materials that allow participants to continue learning independently and apply concepts long after the training session ends.
Don’ts
-
Avoid overly theoretical or abstract approaches that fail to connect with the practical, results-driven mindset of industry professionals.
-
Reduce reliance on lecture-heavy, passive learning formats. Instead, prioritise dynamic, interactive sessions where participants can engage actively, encouraging deeper understanding and better application of AI concepts in real-world settings.
Need support?
Consult our catalogue to locate the Eupopean Digital Innovation Hub nearest to you and accelerate your company's digital transformation.