Digital Maker AI Readiness: practice-oriented AI training for SMEs in Schleswig-Holstein

AI is considered a key technology for digital transformation. Nevertheless, many SMEs have hardly utilised its potential to date. The reasons for this are a lack of expertise, uncertainty in dealing with the topic and limited human and time resources.

SMEs in Schleswig-Holstein, a northerns region of germany, often express the desire to ‘do something with AI’, but do not know where to start. They lack structured, comprehensible access to basic knowledge, practical application examples and opportunities to exchange ideas with other companies. Traditional training formats fall short because they are either too abstract, too technical or not tailored to business practice.

A low-threshold qualification format was required that:

• Conveys a basic understanding of AI.

• Shows concrete application possibilities in various areas of the company.

• Combines practical exercises with theoretical input.

• Offers space for sharing experiences and challenges.

• Actively involves regional companies.

The development of such a format required close cooperation with regional partners in order to specifically address needs and organise the content in a practical way. At the same time, it had to be ensured that the format was flexible, accessible and motivating for participants with different levels of prior knowledge. 

By combining comprehensible knowledge transfer, interactive methods and concrete use cases, a format was developed that creates trust, arouses curiosity and motivates active participation in shaping AI processes in companies.

The ‘Digital Maker AI Readiness’ training format was developed by EDIH.SH together with the Schleswig-Holstein Chamber of Industry and Commerce to provide SMEs with a low-threshold, practical introduction to the topic of AI. In six modules that build on each other, we teach you the basics of artificial intelligence and show the SMEs a wide range of possible applications. EDIH-SH place particular emphasis on practical exercises, concrete use cases and team dialogue.

The close partnership with the IHK (Industrie- und Handelskammer) guarantees a strong practical orientation, a clear focus on the needs of companies and a broad regional base. All participants receive an official IHK certificate of attendance, which gives the format additional visibility and recognition in the HR departments of companies.

The ‘Digital Maker AI Readiness’ has achieved concrete results.

Key benefits:

• Increased AI readiness in SMEs: The participants have significantly increased their understanding of AI technologies and their operational relevance. Hands-on modules made it possible to work directly with tools.

• Identification of concrete AI potential: each company was able to identify AI use cases for its own operations

• Raising awareness of data quality: for many companies, the discussion about AI showed for the first time the relevance of structured data as the basis for digital applications.

• Strengthening digital resilience through cybersecurity expertise: the participants recognised how essential secure data environments are for the successful and responsible use of AI.

• Motivation and recognition through IHK certificate: ensures official recognition, strengthens professional relevance and increases the internal visibility of the training.

Effect for EDIH.SH:

• Positioning as a reliable partner for digital transformation in SMEs.

• Development of new target groups via the IHK network.

• Greater regional visibility and connection to follow-up services such as technology transfer and funding advice.

Effect for SMEs:

• Ability to independently identify use cases for AI and initiate initial projects.

• Long-term strengthening of digital independence - especially in dealing with AI technologies.