REGULAITE aims to bridge the skills gap in AI ethics and regulation targeting SME managers, engineers, lawyers, and VET trainers. The project focuses on developing a high-quality, flexible training programme with accessible content, raising awareness about the ethical and regulatory aspects of AI, and formulating a competencies strategy covering areas such as risk assessment, privacy, and intellectual property. REGULAITE emphasises the importance of creating multidisciplinary training to understand the complex phenomena of new technologies. By fostering dialogue among individuals with diverse skill sets, the project aims to advance competence in a new area of European studies: the regulation of new technologies. This approach not only enhances the understanding of AI's ethical and regulatory dimensions but also promotes collaboration across different professional backgrounds. Through this inclusive strategy, REGULAITE seeks to build a robust foundation for responsible AI innovation and effective regulation in the digital era. Overall, the project promotes responsible AI innovation and aligns vocational training with the emerging needs of the digital economy.
REGULAITE anticipated the importance of developing AI with a focus not only on its economic benefits but also on the human consequences. The rapid advancement of AI technology and its widespread use highlighted the urgent need for education and training to ensure that the technical skills necessary for AI development are complemented by an understanding of the potential harms from misuse, abuse, poor design or negative unintended consequences of the AI systems themselves. The project addresses several key needs: it tackles the significant skills gap in AI ethics and regulation among managers, professionals and trainers, which hinders responsible AI adoption and innovation. It emphasises continuous vocational training (C-VET) to help non-technical SME managers, policymakers, legal professionals, insurance experts and vocational education trainers understand AI's ethical and regulatory aspects. The project aligns training with the European Commission's evolving legal framework for AI. Additionally it addresses digital readiness, responding to IPSOS research highlighting the lack of skills among existing staff (45%) and difficulties in hiring skilled new staff (57%) as major barriers. Thus, it aims to bridge this critical skills gap.