Project Overview
1. AISHA – Artificial Intelligence Skills Hub Academy is a four-year pan-European initiative aimed at developing advanced skills in generative artificial intelligence (GenAI). The project addresses the growing shortage of AI-related skills and the need to adapt education and the labour market to the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, with a particular focus on the technical, managerial, regulatory and ethical aspects of its application.
2. The project develops modular educational programmes, professional development and training programmes, sector-specific laboratories and pilot initiatives, alongside accreditation and micro-credential systems aligned with European frameworks. Particular emphasis is placed on the application of artificial intelligence in strategic sectors and on strengthening the capacity of public and private sector organisations to adopt AI responsibly and effectively.
3. AISHA makes a significant contribution to strengthening AI adoption capabilities in the public sector and among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). For the public sector, the project includes training programmes focusing on areas such as the automation of administrative processes, healthcare services and legal support, incorporating knowledge of the EU AI Act and trustworthy artificial intelligence. The project also introduces measures to broaden access to AI education, including scholarships, labour market reintegration programmes and training opportunities for women and other underrepresented groups.
4. The project lays the foundations for an EU Knowledge Hub and a Centre of Excellence for AI Education and Skills, bringing together educational institutions, industry and other relevant stakeholders. Through curriculum development, sector-specific pilot initiatives, micro-credential systems, impact assessment and a European network of partners, AISHA aims to ensure the long-term sustainability and wider uptake of its educational and training programmes. In doing so, the project seeks to contribute to the EU’s digital sovereignty, productivity and the quality of public services.
5. The Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Rijeka (EFRI) leads Work Package 8 (WP8) – Measurement & Evaluation. Within this work package, EFRI contributes to the design of the evaluation methodology, ensures that the evaluation system is aligned with higher education standards and that the indicators are applicable in practice, and participates in the implementation and ongoing refinement of the Evaluation Framework. EFRI also carries out activities related to quality assurance, impact measurement and risk monitoring. WP8 spans the entire four-year project duration, from Month 1 to Month 48.
AISHA Project Consortium
The AISHA consortium comprises 30 partners from various European countries, including higher education institutions, research organisations, education and training providers, and other relevant stakeholders:
- Inspiring Futures Europe (IF.E) – Project Coordinator
- Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel
- Universität für Weiterbildung Krems
- Universitetet i Bergen
- INESC ID – Instituto de Engenharia de Sistemas e Computadores, Investigação e Desenvolvimento em Lisboa (INESC.ID)
- Politecnico di Milano
- Universidad Politécnica de Madrid
- Università degli Studi di Roma La Sapienza
- Universität der Bundeswehr München
- Universitat de València
- University of Rijeka, Faculty of Economics and Business (EFRI)
- Copenhagen Business School
- Universität Konstanz
- POLI.DESIGN
- ASC27
- TILDE SIA
- Learning Intelligence Group LIG OY (LIG)
- European Digital SME Alliance (EDSA)
- Stichting ALLAI Nederland
- Cognito S.R.L.
- The Data Tank (TDT)
- IAL Innovazione Apprendimento Lavoro Toscana SRL IMPRESA SOCIALE
- The Right Street (TRS)
- Fondacija Petlja
- Region Värmland (VARM)
- Technische Universiteit Delft (TUD)
- Sorbonne Université (SCAI)
- Fundacio Escola de Postgrau i Xarxa de Centres d’Investigacio en Intel·ligencia Artificial (VALGRAI)
- XR8 DI Molinari Francesco & C. S.A.S.
EFRI Project Team
- Prof. Saša Drezgić, PhD – Project Team Leader
- Assoc. Prof. Vesna Buterin, PhD – Deputy Project Team Leader
- Asst. Prof. Ivan Gržeta, PhD
- Assoc. Prof. Maja Grdinić, PhD
- Prof. Dragan Čišić, PhD
- Prof. Zvonko Čapko, PhD
- Prof. Zoran Ježić, PhD
- Prof. Bojana Olgić Draženović, PhD
- Asst. Prof. Stella Suljić Nikolaj, PhD
- Asst. Prof. Ana Babić, PhD
- Prof. Ana Štambuk, PhD
- Assoc. Prof. Nikolina Dukić Samaržija, PhD
- Assoc. Prof. Andrea Arbula Blecich, PhD
- Anamarija Zron, MSc in Economics
- Ivan Mužić, MSc in Economics
Project Funding and Duration
The AISHA project is co-funded by the European Union through the Digital Europe Programme, administered by the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA).
Total project budget: EUR 6.9 million
Project duration: 1 May 2026 – 30 April 2030
