Digital Master

Project facts

Project promoter:
Croatian Artificial Intelligence Association(HR)
Project Number:
HR-INNOVATION-0064
Status:
Completed
Final project cost:
€41,657
Donor Project Partners:
VSO NORGE AS(NO)
Other Project Partners
Artificial Intelligence center Lipik(HR)
Gromar ltd.(HR)
POSLOVNA INTELIGENCIJA ltd.(HR)

Description

Applicant: Founded in 2019 for bringing together leading companies and startups in the field of AI in Croatia. CroAI represents over 115 AI startups and almost 250 members consisting of not only those startups, but also scaleups, other Croatian AI companies, universities, and AI enthusiasts.

Project: Creating a unique education on the introduction of new AI, blockchain, and quantum computing technologies: as a key in the shift towards smart, sustainable and digital business. Developed program will aim at strengthening the competencies and skills of CEOs needed to achieve successful technological innovations in their companies.

Summary of project results

The Digital Master project was conceived to enhance the digital competencies of SMEs in Croatia. The project aimed to address several issues and challenges, including the need for job creation, promoting education, strengthening competitiveness and innovation, as well as the challenges faced by SMEs, such as the need for advanced digital skills to remain competitive and innovative. It focused on bridging the gap between market demands for digital competencies and the skills currently available within SMEs. By promoting digital transformation, the project sought to help SMEs get access to digital skills, particularly in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain (BC), and Quantum Computing (QC).

The Digital Master course provided a comprehensive educational program for middle-sized company managers and small enterprise owners in Croatia, focusing on AI, blockchain, and Quantum Computing, totaling 48 hours of training. This initiative aimed to equip managers with practical knowledge to implement digital technologies, enhance business models, and increase innovation and efficiency. Based on the report, representatives of more than 20 SME companies and more than 15 large companies from Croatia were enrolled in the course, alongside around 90 representatives of professional staff. There were over 50 people present at the launch event and good media coverage.

This project significantly boosted the promotion of digital transformation in Croatia by creating an environment conducive to exploring, learning, and implementing digital skills within SMEs.

Summary of bilateral results

The collaboration between project partners concluded in December 2023, marking the formal end of the project''s activities. However, despite the official conclusion, continuous communication and engagement have been maintained among partners throughout the project duration and beyond. This ongoing communication has laid the foundation for potential future initiatives and partnerships aimed at furthering the project''s objectives and fostering collaborative efforts in related areas. Throughout the project, partners remained actively involved, contributing their expertise and resources to achieve common goals. However, due to a change in the employment status of a key personnel from the Norwegian partner towards the project''s end, the final reimbursement of personnel cost was not pursued by the project consortium. Nonetheless, it''s essential to note that the Norwegian partner remained engaged and participated in project activities throughout its duration, demonstrating a commitment to the project''s success. Looking ahead, the project consortium is exploring opportunities for joint initiatives and collaborations in areas of mutual interest. By leveraging the expertise and networks established during the project, partners aim to continue their efforts in advancing knowledge dissemination, fostering innovation, and addressing emerging challenges in the field. Through sustained collaboration and shared vision, the consortium remains committed to driving positive change and creating lasting impact in the relevant domains.

Information on the projects funded by the EEA and Norway Grants is provided by the Programme and Fund Operators in the Beneficiary States, who are responsible for the completeness and accuracy of this information.