AI Social Lab

A cross-border network and social design thinking labs exploring practical, effective and responsible AI use in companies and institutions.

AI Social Design Thinking Lab creates a cross-border network of organisations working with AI to identify practical applications, effective ways to optimise organisational processes and approaches to overcoming implementation barriers.

AI use in SMEs and public administration is a goal of European, national and regional digitalisation and innovation strategies. Available data and experience show that the partner regions – South Bohemia, Upper Austria and Vienna – use its potential less than other European and non-European countries, mainly in research and development and only marginally in large-company processes.

The neighbouring regions share economic, tourism, education, social, environmental and public administration links, as well as barriers to development and the introduction of new technologies in border-region SMEs and institutions. AI is a major digitalisation trend with new opportunities relevant to current global developments.

Initial work analyses data, documents, expert knowledge and stakeholders and exchanges regional experience. It produces a cross-border strategic agenda for joint action to accelerate AI adoption in business and institutions.

AI Social Design Thinking Labs on both sides of the border support this agenda. Their methodology includes discussion of responsible AI implementation and use. Three introductory awareness and education modules address selected target groups, supported by a comprehensive communication toolkit.

Specific objectives

  • Create a cross-border AI cooperation network.
  • Analyse AI in the partner regions.
  • Create two AI Social Design Thinking Labs.
  • Develop three introductory AI modules for company managers, technical staff, and other employees including business support organisations and the public.

Project information

  • Number: ATCZ271
  • Applicant: Jihočeský vědeckotechnický park, a.s.
  • Programme: Interreg V-A Austria–Czech Republic
  • Implementation: 1 September 2021–31 December 2022

Partners

  • Prague University of Economics and Business – lead partner
  • Jihočeský vědeckotechnický park, a.s.
  • FH OÖ Forschungs und Entwicklungs GmbH, Steyr, Austria
  • Institute for Advanced Studies, Vienna, Austria

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