How can artificial intelligence help Europe's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) innovate, become more competitive and unlock new opportunities for growth? This question will be at the heart of a high-level seminar bringing together European, regional and local political leaders, business representatives and industry experts in Helsinki, Finland.
Organised by the EPP Group in the European Committee of the Regions (EPP-CoR) in cooperation with SME Europe, the seminar “Artificial Intelligence for SMEs, Competitiveness and Growth” will explore how European cooperation and regional innovation ecosystems can help SMEs embrace AI, overcome barriers to digital transformation and compete in an increasingly global market.
SMEs are the backbone of Europe's economy, creating jobs, driving innovation and sustaining local communities. However, many smaller businesses face significant challenges in adopting AI, including limited access to finance, digital skills, infrastructure and technical expertise. Ensuring that businesses in all regions can benefit from technological advances is therefore essential to strengthening Europe's competitiveness and territorial cohesion.
The event will open with remarks by Sari Rautio, President of the EPP-CoR Group, and Jörgen Warborn MEP, President of SME Europe, followed by an intervention from Minna Karhunen, CEO of the Association of Finnish Cities and Municipalities (Kuntaliitto).
The first panel, “AI SME Transformation: Building Regional Capacity through European Cooperation”, will feature Alberto Cirio, President of the Piedmont Region and Chair of the CoR's Commission for Economic Policy (ECON), and Tuuli Kaskinen, Group CEO of the Climate Leadership Coalition. Discussions will focus on strengthening regional innovation ecosystems, fostering cooperation between businesses and public authorities, and ensuring that SMEs have the support they need to adopt AI technologies.
The second panel, “AI Innovation for SMEs: Turning Local Strength into Global Opportunity”, will examine how local innovation can translate into greater European competitiveness. Speakers will include Pehr Granfalk, EPP-CoR ECON Political Coordinator and rapporteur on the European Competitiveness Fund; Jakub Binkowski, Vice-President of Poland's Union of Entrepreneurs and Employers (ZPP); and Maria Miala, EPP Vice-President and Helsinki Deputy City Councillor.
The discussions will also provide an opportunity to reflect on the EU's future investment priorities, including the role of the proposed European Competitiveness Fund in supporting innovation, digital transformation and the growth of European businesses.The seminar will conclude with remarks by Mervi Katainen, Chairperson of the Espoo City Board.
For the EPP-CoR Group, supporting SMEs in the AI transition is not only about technological progress. It is also about ensuring that Europe's cities and regions can create the right conditions for innovation, attract investment, develop skills and enable businesses of all sizes to thrive.
Please register here.