AI and Robotics for SMEs: Success for Spoke 5’s Round Table at RAISE
On April 2, 2025, the round table “AI and Robotics for the Efficiency and Digitalization of SMEs: Perspectives in Comparison” took place at Talent Garden in Genoa. This was the first in-person event of the P2 | BASIC AI & ROBOTICS APPLICATIONS4SMEs project, promoted within the RAISE Training Program and coordinated by Spoke 5.
The meeting provided a valuable opportunity for dialogue between academic experts, entrepreneurs, and startups, aiming to explore the role of artificial intelligence and robotics in small and medium-sized enterprises. The discussion focused on the opportunities and challenges related to adopting these technologies in traditional sectors, highlighting the importance of training and collaboration between established companies and emerging innovative ventures.
The event was structured into two thematic sessions. The first panel, dedicated to the competitive advantages of AI and robotics, featured speakers such as Nicoletta Buratti (University of Genoa), Georgia Cesarone (Start 4.0 and ICT Liguria), and Giorgia Profumo (University of Genoa). The panelists analyzed the potential of these technologies for the industrial sector, emphasizing the need for proper training to support SMEs in adopting innovation.
The second panel focused on knowledge transfer and collaboration opportunities between traditional businesses and startups. Speakers included Daniele Pallavicini (Giovani Confcommercio), Tobia Lorenzani (Comitato Startup Confcommercio), Gabriele Carbone (Giovani Imprenditori CNA Genova), and Stefania Capuzzi (Fair to Share). They highlighted interaction strategies between established enterprises and new businesses to foster shared growth and innovation.
“The technological advancements we are experiencing have a high transformative impact on production and consumption models. This presents great opportunities but also significant risks and challenges for businesses, both in terms of offering new technological applications and in their adoption by companies. Focusing specifically on SMEs—the core topic of this discussion—recent studies depict a complex scenario, where progress and obstacles coexist. Recent research indicates that Italian SMEs have improved their digital culture due to increased investments in digital technologies. However, there are still widespread resistance, especially towards adopting ‘frontier’ technologies, where the benefits are not yet fully understood. More importantly, there is limited awareness of the role these technologies can play in maintaining or renewing the competitive advantage essential for business survival and growth. This is fundamentally a cultural issue that requires a shift in perspective and a commitment to renewing corporate skills. It is crucial to encourage employees to participate in training initiatives like this one, characterized by highly personalized content, flexible learning methods, and expert support to tailor knowledge to specific business contexts,”commented Nicoletta Buratti from UniGe at the event’s conclusion.
The event served as an essential platform for exchange between the academic and business sectors, helping to shape sustainable technology adoption models and fostering stronger synergy between research and industry.
The initiative generated significant interest among participants, reaffirming the central role of artificial intelligence and robotics in SMEs’ digital transformation journey.
