Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming economies, industries, and societies worldwide. Beyond technological innovation, AI has the potential to drive inclusive local development and strengthen regional growth by supporting SMEs, enhancing public services, and fostering innovation ecosystems.

For development agencies and regional stakeholders, understanding how AI can be harnessed in practical and ethical ways is key to ensuring competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience.

The meeting aims to:

• Explore how AI tools and applications can be integrated into regional development strategies;
• Share good practices from SMEs, regions, and projects applying AI for growth;
• Identify opportunities and challenges for regional actors in adopting AI-driven solutions;
• Provide a platform for collaboration and exchange within the EURADA network.

Agenda Overview:

14:30 – 14:40 Welcome and Introduction
By Francesco Molica – EURADA Director
Brief overview of the Working Group and objectives of the session.

14:40 – 14:55 AI for SMEs and Regional Competitiveness

Giovanni Zazzerini – Secretary General - INSME

INSME will provide the perspective of innovative SMEs, presenting survey data showing that how many European SMEs already use AI to boost creativity and productivity. He will also highlight key risks, such as risks of data misuse, and gaps in knowledge and skills that hinder wider digitalisation.

14:55 – 15:10 The present and future of AI in innovation and business support agencies

George Richardson –Head of Data Science and Technology– NESTA

A collaborative project to investigate how innovation and business support agencies use AI today and to develop new use cases for tomorrow. The project will map how agencies are using AI, with the aim of identifying high-value applications and future opportunities.

15:10 – 15:25 Supporting SMEs and Regions in the Green Transition through AI and EU Funding

Maria Roca – Senior Project Manager – FUNDINGBOX

This contribution will explore how AI can accelerate the green and digital transition by enabling SMEs and regions todevelop sustainable solutions. The presentation will showcase relevant EU funding instruments, innovation programmes, and collaborative opportunities that help regional actors harness AI for both economic growth and environmental impact.

15:25 – 15:55 Q&A and Open Discussion

Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and share experiences from their own regions. The goal is to identify common challenges and possible synergies for future collaboration within the Working Group.

15:55 – 16:00 Closing Remarks
By Francesco Molica – EURADA Director