As part of the smooth transition from the Gap Assessment (WP2) to the Training Development phase (WP3) of the NICE – Innovative Operational Tools for Microenterprises’ Competitiveness and Staff Well-being project, a co-creation event was held to engage stakeholders in validating the WP2 findings and shaping the training content accordingly.
During the session, the two core outputs of WP2—the Executive Summary and the Operational Matrix—were presented and discussed with a targeted group of entrepreneurs, workers from small enterprises, and members of working associations.
The event also introduced the initial structure of the training curriculum, which had been developed based on WP2 findings. Participants were invited to reflect on whether the proposed learning modules responded to their real-world challenges and needs.
The debate and collaborative dialogue focused on perceived needs for fostering innovation and well-being in micro and small enterprises. Several core priorities and training needs emerged:
🔹 AI and Human-Centered Integration
Participants overwhelmingly emphasized the urgent need for practical and serious training on Artificial Intelligence (AI). The group saw AI not as a threat, but as a powerful tool—when aligned with human reasoning and ethical decision-making—to boost productivity, creativity, non-discriminatory processes in HHRR hiring and general efficiency in small enterprises.
🔹 Improving Communication Processes
Effective internal and external communication was highlighted as a core driver of innovation. Participants expressed the need for training in:
• Clear, efficient communication
• Conflict management
• Active listening and empathy in the workplace
🔹 Integrated Learning Approaches
Participants called for a combination of formal and non-formal training, ideally embedded in the workspace, to ensure accessibility and relevance. There was a particular emphasis on:
• Self-training and microlearning
• Peer learning opportunities
• Continuous learning pathways
🔹 Soft Skills for Collaboration and Innovation
A strong consensus emerged around the need for enhancing soft skills, particularly:
• Presenting ideas clearly
• Participating in teamwork
• Creative problem solving
• Emotional intelligence
🔹 Administrative Simplicity & Well-being
Reducing bureaucracy and simplifying processes were cited as essential for staff well-being and innovation. Participants stressed the need for user-friendly systems and better digital tools to manage workflows and HR-related tasks.
🔹 Green Practices & Sustainability
The promotion of sustainable and environmentally friendly practices was identified as both a value and a strategic need, aligning with European and global priorities for responsible innovation.
🔹 Digital Tools & Future-Oriented Training
Other emerging ideas included:
• The use of avatars and gamified learning environments for training
• Integration of AI for HR onboarding processes
• Support for digital transformation in small organizations
This co-creation event offered a valuable opportunity to test the relevance of WP2 findings and validate the direction of the WP3 training curriculum. The feedback received will directly inform the refinement of the training content, ensuring that it is aligned with the actual needs and aspirations of microenterprise stakeholders.
The session reaffirmed the importance of innovation not only as a technological shift, but as a human-centered process, grounded in communication, inclusion, and continuous learning.
