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AI4Retail – developing artificial intelligence competencies in European retail
As part of the project INAiR team DELab UW, headed by Prof. Renata Włoch, developed a set of practical courses on the use of artificial intelligence in retailThe program was created in cooperation with an international project consortium and is aimed at micro, small and medium-sized enterprises from the retail sector.
Free AI courses for the retail sector
The courses are designed to address the needs of various roles within a company—owners, managers, and employees. Their goal is to demonstrate how AI technologies can support everyday business operations: from sales data analysis and inventory management to optimizing operations and better understanding customer needs.
Each personalized learning path consists of 7-8 thematic modules, each lasting approximately 90 minutes. This structure allows participants to fit their learning around their daily professional responsibilities and gradually develop their competencies without the need for lengthy training.
AI4Retail Project
AI4Retail is an international educational and research project aimed at developing AI competencies in the European retail sector. The initiative focuses on supporting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which increasingly need to use digital tools and data analytics to remain competitive in a rapidly changing market.
The project addresses one of the most significant barriers to digital transformation in retail – the AI skills gap. While technologies such as data analysis, recommendation systems, and process automation are widely used in large retail chains, many smaller companies lack the knowledge and tools to fully leverage the potential of AI.
The first stage of the project was to conduct international research on the use of artificial intelligence in retail and the competencies needed by enterprises to implement AI technologies.
The study identified:
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key competencies needed by trading companies to implement AI,
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competence gaps among employees and owners of SMEs,
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differences between countries and market segments.
The research results were presented in a report prepared by the DELab UW team and constitute the basis for further project activities.
AI Curriculum for the Retail Sector
Based on the research results, the project team developed the AI Core Curriculum – an educational program that includes:
basics of artificial intelligence and data analysis,
AI applications in retail,
digital and information competences,
aspects of sustainable development and "green trade",
technical skills necessary to implement AI solutions.
DELab UW experts also participated in the design of training modules, ensuring that the program meets the actual needs of enterprises.
Open educational resources
The materials developed in the project are made available as Open Educational Resources. They include:
training modules,
interactive exercises,
educational simulations and games,
quizzes and competency tests.
The materials are available in English and in the languages of the project partners, so they can be used by entrepreneurs and training institutions in various European countries.
The program includes 16 training moduleswhich create three levels of advancementThis allows participants to gradually develop their competencies – from basic knowledge of artificial intelligence, through specific applications in commerce, to more advanced use of AI in business analysis and process management.
The course program demonstrates that artificial intelligence is not a technology reserved exclusively for large corporations. Properly designed tools also allow small and medium-sized businesses can use AI to make better business decisions and increase competitiveness.
After completing the course, the participant will receive certificate signed by the INAIR consortium with the participation of the University of Warsaw.Basic level
The first level introduces participants to the basic concepts of artificial intelligence and its importance to modern commerce. It includes modules on:
introduction to artificial intelligence,
basic principles of AI operation,
AI applications in retail,
data-based decision-making, ethical aspects of the use of artificial intelligence.
Intermediate level
The second level focuses on specific technologies and how they can be used in business operations. Participants will learn, among other things:
applications of machine learning in retail,
the use of natural language processing (NLP) in customer feedback analysis and customer service,
designing human-centric innovations using AI,
the use of artificial intelligence in the sustainable development of enterprises, regulations regarding trustworthy and responsible AI.
Advanced level
The third level focuses on the strategic use of artificial intelligence in enterprise management and business process optimization. It includes:
application of AI in the enterprise value chain,
use of AI in knowledge management and information analysis,
optimization of business operations using AI,
using AI in customer engagement and service,
application of AI in inventory management, use of AI-supported business analytics.
As part of the project, a report entitled "Artificial Intelligence in the Retail Sector" was created by a research team at the University of Warsaw. The report was authored by Renata Włoch, Katarzyna Śledziewska, and the DELab UW research team. This publication is one of the key outcomes of the project, providing insight into how artificial intelligence is transforming retail and the competencies businesses need to effectively utilize it.
The report combines the analysis of technology, market data and the competence needs of SME companies, indicating both the potential of using AI and the barriers to its implementation in European retail.How the study was conducted
The study involved an international analysis of the retail sector and incorporated several complementary methods:
1. Analysis of literature and market data
Industry reports, statistical data and research on the level of digitalisation of the trade sector in Europe were analysed.
2. Analysis of AI technologies used in trade
Key technologies used in the retail sector have been identified, including:
Machine Learning,
Deep Learning,
natural language processing (NLP),
computer vision,
recommendation systems,
robotic business processes (RPA),
generative artificial intelligence (GenAI).
3. Analysis of the level of digitalization of the trade sector
The study included, among others:
use of e-commerce,
adoption of cloud technologies,
use of data and analytical tools,
level of AI implementation in enterprises.
4. Identifying competency gaps
The analysis allowed us to determine which digital skills are necessary for companies to effectively implement AI-based solutions.
1. AI has huge potential in retail
Artificial intelligence technologies can support many key areas of operation of retail companies, including:- sales data analysis and demand forecasting,
- personalization of offers for customers,
- customer service automation,
- inventory and supply chain optimization,
- improving operational processes.
2. Retail generates huge amounts of data
Retail companies possess vast amounts of data—from sales information and logistics data to customer feedback. The key challenge is no longer simply collecting data, but transforming it into insights that support business decisions.3. Personalization is becoming the new standard
Artificial intelligence enables the creation of personalized shopping experiences—from product recommendations to tailored marketing communications. This allows companies to build more lasting customer relationships and increase sales.4. AI implementations in the retail sector are still limited
Despite its significant technological potential, the level of AI adoption in retail remains relatively low, particularly among micro and small businesses. The most significant barriers include:- lack of digital competences,
- limited financial resources,
- insufficient knowledge of the possibilities of technology,
- difficulties in integrating new solutions with existing systems.
5. The biggest barrier is competence
One of the report's key findings is that developing digital skills is a key prerequisite for leveraging AI in the retail sector. Companies need employees who can:- understand data and analyze information,
- use AI tools in everyday work,
- integrate digital technologies with business processes,
- make data-driven decisions.
The report’s conclusions formed the basis for the development of tools developed in the INAIR project, including an AI competency assessment tool, a training program, and a set of educational materials supporting entrepreneurs and trade sector employees in the practical use of artificial intelligence.
The project thus contributes to achieving the goals of the European Digital Decade, one of the priorities of which is to increase the use of artificial intelligence technologies in European enterprises by 2030.
DELab UW research team
- prof. UW, dr hab. Renata of Italy – project manager, responsible for coordinating the Polish work package, designing and conducting qualitative research, disseminating project results and preparing scientific publications
- prof. UW, dr hab. Catherine Sledziewska – main contractor, responsible for the scientific effects of the project and the quality of results, contacts with the business and non-governmental environment, and preparation of scientific publications.
- Michał Szostek – scientific project manager, responsible for administrative and financial coordination
- Michał Paliński – DELab UW analyst, responsible for conducting quantitative analyses using machine learning
- dr Bartosz Ślosarski – assistant professor at the Faculty of Sociology, University of Warsaw, responsible for preparing qualitative analyses (thematic analysis)
- M.Sc. Weronika Łebkowska – analyst at the University of Warsaw, responsible for preparing quantitative analyses
- M.Sc. Karol Teodorowicz – research assistant, responsible for preparing qualitative analyses
- dr Agata Komendant-Brodowska – assistant professor at the Faculty of Sociology, University of Warsaw, responsible for designing and conducting qualitative workshops in cooperation with consortium partners.
The project is implemented by an international consortium of research organizations, universities and entrepreneurship support institutions that combine academic, technological and business experience.
University of Warsaw – Digital Economy Lab (DELab UW)
DELab UW is an interdisciplinary research center at the University of Warsaw dedicated to analyzing the digital transformation of the economy. For over a decade, the team has been studying the impact of data, digital platforms, and artificial intelligence on businesses, labor markets, and public policies. At the same time, DELab UW develops practical projects in collaboration with businesses, combining scientific research with the implementation of solutions supporting the digital transformation of enterprises.
In the AI4Retail project, the DELab team conducted research on the use of artificial intelligence in retail and the competencies businesses need to implement AI technologies. The results of these analyses were then used to design a training program and educational materials for the retail sector.
TEAM4Excellence (Romania) A non-profit organization specializing in the design of modern educational programs and research on digital competences. It collaborates with academic experts and ISO and EFQM quality auditors.
Lascò (Italy) A technology company focused on designing digital transformation strategies and implementing innovations in public and private organizations. It brings expertise in AI, data analytics, cloud computing, IoT, and blockchain technologies to the project.
ITKAM The Italian Chamber of Commerce in Germany, which brings together over 400 companies and is part of the global network of Italian chambers of commerce, ensures a strong connection between the project and the real needs of retail businesses.
BSD Design (Italy) A company specializing in the design of human-technology interactions, user experiences and digital innovation strategies.
University of Cyprus – Software Engineering and Internet Technologies Lab (SEIT) A research laboratory with extensive experience in educational technologies, e-learning and digital learning environments.
Have any questions?
To learn more about the project, write to delab@uw.edu.pl